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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. |
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The state allocated approximately $100,000 from its share of the American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) funding in this initial round. 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, you can click HERE. |
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| 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. |
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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
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On Wednesday, I had the pleasure of re-touring the Avon Free Public Library as our District 17 Library Directors, Glenn Grube and Sarah McCusker, advocated for both the state library budget (which is responsible for, among other things, interlibrary loans) and for us to finally pass legislation ending the stranglehold the big five publishing companies have on libraries regarding e-books.
I also had the chance to see the current exhibit, Exploring Human Origins, which is on loan from the Smithsonian through January 15th. Avon is only one of six libraries in the country that received a grant to host this exhibit and they also received $1,000 towards programming. I can’t wait to take my family back to see it and spend more time with the material including how the library incorporated the paleolithic dig site in Avon near the Farmington River. |
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Our librarians and our libraries are one of the most important ways that we build community, and we are truly lucky to have them. I look forward to advocating for more dollars so that libraries across Connecticut can have the kind of programming we are lucky to have in Avon and Canton.
For more information on the exhibit or the library, please click HERE. |
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A friendly reminder: Please donate what you can at one of our great partners: Beanz & Co. (Avon); Imagine Float (Avon); LaSalle Deli and Market (Collinsville); Little Oak Cafe (Canton); and Liquid Nirvana (Avon).
Thank you for your generosity this winter!
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| Please consider donating to DISH 'n Dat American Eatery in Canton to help those in the community in need this Christmas. Please see the details below regarding the 5th annual event, including how to be a sponsor. |
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| Please click HERE and consider donating to the Avon Food Pantry, the Avon Pet Pantry, the Avon Fuel Bank, the Avon Special Needs Funds, the Avon Senior Center, or the Holiday Donation Program. |
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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:
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- Designate a Sober Driver: Before drinking, plan a safe way to get home. Use a ride-share service, or public transportation, or 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. For more information, click HERE.
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Recent incidents in New Haven and Fairfield Count show anyone can be the victim of an online scam. However, millions of our elderly neighbors are targeted for some type of financial fraud every year. With the holiday season upon us, it's an important reminder that not everyone is acting from a benevolent place in their heart. With the elderly population growing and seniors racking up more than $3 billion in losses annually, elder fraud has remained a growing problem.
Common elder fraud schemes include Romance scams (Criminals pose as interested romantic partners on social media or dating websites); Tech support scams (Criminals pose as technology support representatives and offer to fix non-existent computer issues); Grandparent scams (Criminals pose as a relative — usually a child or grandchild — claiming to be in immediate financial need); Government impersonation scam (Criminals pose as government employees and threaten to arrest or prosecute victims unless they agree to provide funds or other payments); and Sweepstakes/charity/lottery scam (Criminals claim to work for legitimate charitable organizations or they claim their targets have won a foreign lottery or sweepstake, which they can collect for a fee). |
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There are ways to protect yourself and your loved ones, including the following (courtesy of the FBI and 2-1-1):
- If you believe there is a scam attempt, end all communication with that individual. Create a shared verbal family password or phrase that only you and your loved ones know. Also, disconnect from the internet and shut down your device if you see a pop-up message or locked screen.
- Search online for the contact information (name, email, phone number, addresses) and the proposed offer. Other people have likely posted information online about individuals and businesses trying to run scams.
- Resist the pressure to act quickly. Scammers create a sense of urgency to produce fear and lure victims into immediate action.
- Call the police immediately if you feel there is a danger to yourself or a loved one. Take precautions to protect your identity if a criminal gains access to your device or account. Immediately contact your financial institutions to place protections on your accounts and monitor your accounts and personal information for suspicious activity.
- Be cautious of unsolicited phone calls, mailings, and door-to-door service offers.
- Never give or send any personally identifiable information, money, gold, or other precious metals, jewelry, gift cards, checks, or wire information to unverified people or businesses.
- Be careful what you download. Never open an email attachment from someone you don't know.
Contacts and more information
Office of the Attorney General – Senior Fraud Hotline
The State of Connecticut Office of the Attorney General’s Consumer Assistance Unit runs an Elder Justice Senior Fraud Hotline at 860-808-5420. The office also has a website here.
Department of Aging and Disability Services
The Connecticut Department of Aging and Disability Services posts recent examples of frauds and scams on their website here:
To Find Services in Connecticut’s Community Resources Database:
Search by Provider Name: Better Business Bureau of Connecticut
by Service Name: Fraud Prevention
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While the holiday season generally brings holiday cheer, there are some Grinches who dampen the 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. |
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| (photo credit: Deep Sentinel)
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 neighbor 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.
Installing a home security system with cameras or a video doorbell is a great way to deter package theft, especially when highly visible.
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.
Most retailers provide tracking details with links to delivery services; some even send their 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.
Sincerely,
Eleni Kavros DeGraw
State Representative |
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