State Capitol Update For The Week of December 18

December 18, 2024


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Dear Friend,

This is my State Capitol update for the week of December 18.

If you prefer to watch rather than read, click the image below to hear about the issues contained in this newsletter.

Here’s a list of today’s topics: 
  • Thousands of CT Residents Set for Medical Debt Relief. Click here.
  • New Website from the Housing Collective. Click here
  • Reminder - Access Health Enrollment Deadline Approaching. Click here.
  • Resources for the Upcoming Session. Click here
  • Upcoming Events. Click here.
Thousands of CT Residents Set for Medical Debt Relief

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.

New Website From the Housing Collective 
The Housing Collective's brand new website is up and running. This organization and their partners work hard to develop and deliver housing solutions in the Northwest Corner and across the state - now, they can share those solutions in a more accessible, dynamic, and exciting way. This new digital tool will enable the Housing Collective to serve as a stronger backbone for homelessness response and housing affordability in Connecticut. Please head over to their site and check out the great work they do for our community.
Reminder - Access Health Enrollment Deadline Approaching
A deadline for Access Health CT's (AHCT) Open Enrollment period is fast approaching. If you enroll between December 16 and January 15, 2025, coverage will start on February 1, 2025.
 

Free help to sign up is available online, in person, and over the phone. Go to AccessHealthCT.com and click "Get Help" or call 1-855-805-4325.

For a list of enrollment fairs and to register, visit the Enrollment Events webpage. Information about enrollment locations and Navigator locations are also listed there. Customers can also get help from a certified broker or enrollment specialist in their community.

You can also chat live with a customer service representative by clicking the “Live Chat” icon on the website. Customers who are deaf or hearing impaired may use TTY at 1-855-789-2428 or call a relay operator.

Connecticut has one of the best health insurance marketplaces in the country. Now is the time to make sure you and your family are covered for your healthcare needs!

Resources for the Upcoming Session 
Northwest Corner Events 
ICMYI - Northwest Corner Events
Saturday, December 28, 2024 at 4 pm at Trinity Church ~ 484 Lime Rock Rd., Lakeville, CT 06039
 
It is my honor to represent our district. I look forward to hearing from you about the issues raised in this newsletter, or any other topics you think I should know about. You can email me at maria.horn@cga.ct.gov or call me at (860)-240-8585. Thanks for reading, and I wish you a safe weekend.

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Sincerely,


Maria Horn
State Representative

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