Happy Holidays, Medical Debt Relief, and more

December 20, 2024


 
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Dear Neighbor,
From my family to yours, I want to take a moment to send my best wishes for the holiday season. May it bring you and your loved ones peace, happiness and time well spent together. Remember that no matter how we celebrate, we also share many blessings. So, in the spirit of the season, please spread the joy that makes this time of the year truly special.
 
Looking ahead to the new year, I am excited for all that we will accomplish together. It is my sincere honor to represent you and work on issues that matter to our community and Connecticut.
 
Happy Holidays!
 

More than 22,000 residents of Connecticut can expect some or all their medical debt to be eliminated, thanks to a major state initiative in partnership with the national nonprofit organization Undue Medical Debt.
 
Undue Medical Debt collaborates with state and local governments to leverage public investments, negotiating with hospitals and other providers to eliminate large, bundled portfolios of qualifying medical debt. This initiative specifically targets patients whose income is at or below four times (400%) the federal poverty level, or who have medical debt that constitutes 5% or more of their income. Because these medical debts are acquired in bulk and pertain to individuals who are least able to pay, they can be purchased at a fraction of their face value.
 
In this initial round, the state allocated approximately $100,000 from its share of the American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) funding. With this investment, Undue Medical Debt successfully negotiated with a secondary market partner (such as a collections agency) and a national provider to acquire approximately $30 million in qualifying medical debt for Connecticut residents.

Residents do not need to apply for this medical debt relief, nor can they request it. Those whose debts have been identified for relief will receive a branded letter from Undue Medical Debt detailing which debts have been eliminated. These letters will be sent out through the U.S. mail, starting December 23, 2024.
 
To view a sample of the letter recipients will soon receive in the mail, please click HERE.
 
While the holiday season generally brings holiday cheer, there are some Grinches who dampen mood. With online shopping becoming more prevalent, package thieves – better known as porch pirates – have more opportunities to swipe deliveries.
 
The Better Business Bureau, citing a Security.org study, said package thieves stole more than $18 billion in merchandise over the last year.
 
Here are some ways – courtesy of the BBB – to discourage porch pirates:
  • Don’t leave unattended packages. 

Try to schedule a delivery when you know you will be home. If you aren't going to be home, ask a trusted neighbors if they mind holding on to packages. Also. some retailers offer garage delivery.

  • Ship to store, storefront or post office box.

Consider shipping to a retailer with a physical location near your home or, if you have one, ship to a post office box that accepts packages.

  • Use a security camera.

Installing a home security system with cameras or a video doorbell is a great way to deter package theft, especially when highly visible.

  • Require a signature. 

Many delivery companies include the option to require a signature before leaving a package but be sure to check with the delivery company on their policy for packages that are not signed for; they may return it to the sender after a certain number of attempts.

  • Opt-in to notifications

Most retailers provide tracking details with links to delivery services; some even send their own emails to let you know when something has landed on your stoop.
If you fear your package being stolen, file a report with your local police department and the delivery company. Depending on your delivery service, they may offer insurance or other policies to reimburse you for your losses.
 
The Connecticut Department of Emergency Services and Public Protection (DESPP), which includes the Division of Emergency Management and Homeland Security (DEMHS), the Connecticut State Police (CSP), and the Connecticut Intelligence Center (CTIC), is monitoring reports of large drone - or Unmanned Aircraft Systems (UAS) - sightings across Connecticut.

Connecticut is not alone in the drone sightings, as states along the East Coast, including Massachusetts, New York, New Jersey, Pennsylvania, and Virginia have reported sightings recently. In Connecticut, sightings have been reported in towns and cities including Stamford, Fairfield, East Windsor, and Enfield, and flying near Bradley Airport in Windsor Locks.

DESPP does not have the authority to take down a drone. Drone operators must maintain a flight altitude of 400 feet or less and maintain a visual line of sight by the operator. Drone pilots generally require a federal license if the device is being used for commercial purposes.

CSP monitors drone activity through a system of portable and fixed drone sensing devices Drone sightings by CSP are now being handled through a detailed reporting process to collect as much information as possible.
  
CTIC analysts are comparing reported sightings with Federal Aviation Administration flight data. CTIC has found most could be attributed to manned aircraft or those UAS devices lawfully operating in the private sector.

Connecticut Congressman Jim Himes, the ranking member of the U.S. Intelligence Committee, recently met with FBI, CIA, and U.S. military officials. Congressman Himes says he is satisfied that the drones are not connected to a foreign power or the U.S. federal government. So far, the FBI's investigation hasn't found evidence pointing to anything nefarious, according to Himes.

If residents are concerned for their immediate safety, contact local police or call 911 in an emergency. However, residents are encouraged to use online reporting methods to allow state and federal agencies to track and investigate these sightings appropriately.

Online reporting methods:


Suspicious Activity Reporting Form
CT Safe App for Apple and Android
 
From now through January 1, 2025, drivers across Connecticut can expect to see more law enforcement on the roads to prevent impaired driving and keep roads safe for everyone. During the holiday season, drunk driving is a significant threat.
The CTDOT urges the public to take proactive steps to ensure a safe holiday season:
  • Designate a Sober Driver: Before drinking, plan a safe way to get home. Use a ride share service, public transportation, or a designate a sober driver.
  • Stay Alert on the Roads: Keep a safe distance from drivers who appear impaired. Report dangerous drivers by calling 911.
  • Intervene When Necessary: If you see someone attempting to drive impaired, take their keys and help them arrange a safe ride home.

Driving under the influence of any substance, whether alcohol, cannabis, prescription medication, or over-the-counter drugs, is illegal and dangerous. Impaired driving can lead to jail time and fines.
 
Click here for more information
 
As always, please feel free to contact me at 800-842-8267 or by email at Andre.Baker@cga.ct.gov. And for news and legislative updates, please visit my official Facebook page.

Sincerely,



Andre Baker
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