2-month Medicare program extension

Deal on savings plan will benefit about 113,000 elderly state residents

HARTFORD — About 113,000 elderly Connecticut residents will retain their current levels of benefits from the Medicare Savings Program for at least an additional two months, legislators announced.

Income thresholds for participation in the program had been scheduled to drop by about 50 percent on Jan. 1, but now the benefits will continue through February. The estimated cost to the state was $25 million.

“Since the passage of the budget in October, we have heard from many seniors and family members with questions and concerns about these changes,” DSS Commissioner Roderick L. Bremby said in a Wednesday morning statement.

“Members of the General Assembly and health care advocates have also expressed concerns about this part of the budget legislation. We want them to know that we are listening,” Bremby said. “While most are not likely to qualify for other coverage, we hope this effort will alleviate the financial loss for some.”

The state Department of Social Services on Wednesday said that a review of the program will take two months and then a new termination date will be announced.

Senate President Pro Tempore Martin M. Looney, D-New Haven, said the DSS announcement was “helpful” in the short term.

WASHINGTON — Republicans rammed a bill through the House on Wednesday that would make it easier for gun owners to legally carry concealed weapons across state lines, the first significant action on guns in Congress since mass shootings in Nevada and Texas killed more than 80 people.

The House approved the bill, 231-198, largely along party lines. Six Democrats voted yes, while 14 Republicans voted no.

The measure would allow gun owners with a state-issued concealed-carry permit to carry a handgun in any state that allows concealed weapons. It now goes to the Senate.

Republicans said the reciprocity measure, a top priority of the National Rifle Association, would allow gun owners to travel freely between states without worrying