The town's senior citizens received an update on legislative matters most relevant to them at a meeting held on July 10 at the North Haven Senior Center.

State Senator Leonard Fasano and State Representative David Yaccarino met with the seniors to discuss legislation that passed during the recent special session that would impact seniors the most. Fasano, a Republican incumbent, faces Democrat Steve Fontana in the November elections. Yaccarino is running unopposed.

Fasano said "one of the big breakthroughs" was related to power of attorney and conservatorships. According to Fasano, a bill passed that allows such powers in Connecticut to be recognized in other states.

Yaccarino noted a bill that passed recognizing grandparents' visitation rights.

"Grandparents have the right to have clear visitation rights on a regular basis," explained Yaccarino.

He said that it wasn't fair for grandparents to lose those rights due to a divorce or break-up of the relationship between grandchildrens' parents.

Yaccarino also discussed changes in deductibles for colonoscopies. A new law prevents insurers from charging a deductible for procedures initially done as colorectal cancer screening colonoscopies or sigmoidoscopies.

"If something is found [like a polyp], you don't have to pay a high deductible," explained Yaccarino.

In addition, certain health insurance policies have to now cover colorectal cancer screening in accordance with American Cancer Society recommendations. Previously, they had to follow American College of Gastroenterology recommendations in consultation with the American Cancer Society and the American College of Radiology.

Fasano said the state is also bringing back the Department of Aging to address issues related to seniors.

"We need to be aware of the needs of seniors and all people," said Yaccarino.

There were many other new laws that will impact seniors. One will increase the application period for the rental rebate program for the elderly and totally disabled from four months to six months (April 1 through Oct. 1).

In addition, a 16-member Aging in Place Task Force was created to show how the state can support seniors aging in their own homes. The task force will explore infrastructure and transportation improvements, zoning changes to facilitate home care, enhanced nutrition programs and delivery options, improved fraud and abuse protections, expansion of home medical care options, and tax and private insurance incentives."

Also, nursing homes and residential care homes are now required by law to inform both current and perspective residents if the home is placed in receivership or files for bankruptcy. Assisted living facilities must give notice if they file for bankruptcy.