2/17/21 Newsletter: Access Health CT Enrollment, Re-opening CT Update, Vaccination Sites & Absentee Voting Bill

February 26, 2021
I would like to thank everyone who has testified in a pubic hearing thus far. Each story that is shared at a public hearing provides a valuable perspective to the committee members voting on pieces of proposed legislation. 

I would like to continue hearing your voice through my legislative 

priority survey. I am sending it out a second time because, as one of our eagle-eyed constituents pointed out, we were not sending you to the secure survey site. That has been fixed.

Thi

s session, I will be working on a variety of legislation to help Connecticut during these unprecedented times. Many of these bills will affect your family and our district, which is why it is so important for me to hear directly from you what your top priorities are. I hope you will take a few minutes to complete this survey so that I can better represent our district at the state capitol.
Take the Survey
 
Public Hearing Regarding Absentee and Early Voting 

I have heard from many of you already that one of your priorities is expanding access to voting and I urge you to share your ideas and concerns at the upcoming Government Administration and Elections Committee public hearing on Monday, February 22nd at 10:30am. This meeting will hear testimony on the following legislative proposals: 

  1. H.J. No. 58 Resolution Proposing a State Constitutional Amendment to Allow No-Excuse Absentee Voting. 
  1. H.J. No. 59 Resolution Approving an Amendment to the State Constitution to Allow for Early Voting. 

Below I have provided a guide which illustrates how a bill becomes a law.
 
Access Health CT Enrollment
 
Access Health CT's (AHCT) Special Enrollment Period is open now through March 15, 2021 for uninsured residents to obtain quality, affordable health care coverage, particularly those negatively affected by the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic.
There are several ways to get help with enrollment including:
  • Online: AccessHealthCT.com (Live chat: AccessHealthCT.com click “Live Chat” icon) 
  • Phone: 1-855-805-4325, Mon. – Fri.  8 AM - 4 PM
  • With Enrollment Specialists in the community 
  • In-person help at either of AHCT’s Navigator partner locations: 

Consumers will not be required to verify their eligibility for this Special Enrollment Period. Financial help will still be available for those who qualify.

Please note if you are currently enrolled in coverage through AHCT you will not be eligible to use this Special Enrollment Period to change your existing plans.

If you are in need this is an opportunity to put your mind at ease during these times. Access to good quality, affordable healthcare awaits.
 
CT Re-opening Update

On March 19th, private social and recreational events at commercial facilities will allow indoor capacity at 50% with a maximum of 100 people, and an outdoor capacity with a maximum of 200 people. 
 
COVID-19 Vaccination Eligibility and Sites 
If you live or work in Connecticut AND are currently eligible to receive a COVID-19 vaccine, there are multiple options for how you can schedule. 

Those eligible include:

  • Healthcare Personnel: All paid and unpaid persons serving in healthcare settings who have the potential for direct or indirect exposure to patients of infectious materials. Healthcare personnel should contact their Employer Coordinator, who has been designated to ensure access to the vaccine. Vaccine administration for healthcare workers will be available at hospitals, outpatient clinics, and local health departments

  • Long-Term Care Facility Residents: Adults who reside in facilities that provide a range of services, including medical and personal care, to persons who are unable to live independently. Residents of long-term care facilities should ask facility leadership about reviewing vaccine. All vaccine clinics in long-term care facilities will be administered by CVS and Walgreens. 

  • Medical First Responders: High risk of exposure to COVID-19 through their response to medical emergencies such as Emergency Medical Technicians, Police, and Fire.

  • Individuals 65 and older: While the state has opened scheduling up for 65+, we continue to work with our providers to ensure those 75+ can access vaccine.

See below for a list of scheduling options. 

1. Vaccine Access Line 
The Vaccine Appointment Assist Line is open 8a-8p, 7 days per week. By calling this line, you can schedule at locations across the State of Connecticut 

You can also search by location at ct.gov/covidvaccine 

Call: 877-918-2224

 

 

 

2. Walgreens 
Walgreens is currently offering COVID Vaccine at 12 different locations – and will soon be adding many more across the State 
Click here to schedule

 

3. CVS 
CVS is currently offering vaccine in ~10 stores across the State of Connecticut 
Click here to schedule

 

4. Walmart 
Walmart will be offering COVID-19 vaccines at 7 locations across the State of Connecticut: Torrington, West Haven, North Windham, New Haven, Waterbury, Hartford and Norwalk 
Click here to schedule

 

5. VAMS
VAMS is the Vaccine Administration Management System, and can be used to schedule appointments at multiple clinics across the State, including: 

  • • Trinity Health of New England 
  • • Griffin Hospital 
  • • Nuvance Hospital 
  • • … and many health departments, FQHCs, and more ... 

Click here to schedule

Click here for more detailed instructions on how to create a VAMS account and schedule your appointment 
 

 

6. Hartford Healthcare 
Hartford Healthcare has multiple locations throughout the State, including large clinics in the Hartford-area. You can use MyChart to schedule 
Click here to schedule

 

7. Yale New Haven Hospital
Yale New Haven Hospital has multiple locations throughout the State, including large clinics in the New Haven area. You can use MyChart to schedule 
Click here to schedule

 

8. Stamford Health
Stamford Health is operating a clinic 7-days-per-week at the Stamford Hospital. You can use ZocDoc to schedule 
Click here to schedule
 
Cold Weather Safety

It looks like Connecticut is in for yet another snow storm. Here are some cold weather safety reminders to keep in mind as the temperature drops. Remember to charge your devices and do your best to stay off the roads.