Newsletter 8/5/2022

August 6, 2022

I hope you're enjoying your summer and staying cool. 

In this week's email, you can find information on:

  • Meeting Concerning Proposed Rate Hikes By Insurance Companies 
  • Primary Day Reminder 
  • Senior Farmer's Market Voucher Program
  • Fairfield Past and Present
  • Mental Health Resources in Fairfield 
CID Meeting on Proposed Rate Increases By Insurance Companies 

Insurance companies have requested that the Connecticut Insurance Department (CID) approve a rate increase by an average of 20.4% for plans starting in 2023, a steep spike from the 8.6% average rate increase request for 2022. Insurers claim this proposed hike is a result of the rising costs of healthcare and pharmaceuticals, but it comes at a time when we are already facing the highest inflation rates in 40 years.

You have an opportunity to ask questions and provide comments to the insurance companies proposing these rate hikes!

On Monday, August 15th at 9:00 AM, the CID will host a public meeting to receive public input on the proposed rate increases filed by CIGNA Health & Life, CTCare Inc., CTCare Benefits Inc., and the ConnectiCare Insurance Company, Inc.

The Monday meeting will offer a hybrid participation platform. Anyone wishing to view the meeting virtually can watch on CT-N. Anyone who wants to speak virtually at the meeting via Zoom can sign up by sending an email with your name and written comments attached to cid.ratefilings@ct.gov.

Anyone wishing to view the meeting in person can watch it at the Legislative Office Building. Anyone who wants to speak in person can sign up on the morning of the meeting, just ahead of its 9:00 AM start time – 8:30 AM.

The CID is also seeking your input on increased rate proposals filed by Aetna, Anthem Health Plans, and United Healthcare/Oxford for the 2023 plan year. You can view the rate requests and provide public comment here.
 
August 9 is Connecticut's Primary Day
Reminder - Connecticut's Primary Day is next Tuesday, August 9. Please visit the Connecticut Office of Secretary of State website if you have any questions. 

Please take note as your polling location may have changed. The Registrar of Voters sent out postcards but in case you missed it you can also check your polling place by street here.
 
Senior Farmer's Market Nutrition Voucher Program
The Senior Farmers' Market Nutrition Program (SFMNP) aims to provide income-eligible residents ages 60 and older with access to farm fresh produce. Participating seniors will receive 1 coupon booklet containing six $4 checks to redeem at FMNP-authorized locations across our state to purchase fruits, vegetables, herbs, and honey. To find a distribution site and to learn more about this program, please click here.
 
Fairfield Past and Present

Fairfield Museum and History Center
Congratulations to The Beehive on the Grand Opening of their new storefront at the corner of Post Rd and Reef Rd. This iconic location in town was once the home of the beloved The Fairfield Store, which opened in 1921. It is so wonderful to see the space once again occupied by a locally-owned, independent store in the heart of our business district. At the Grand Opening, as customers were in awe of the beautiful new space, many were also talking about their memories of The Fairfield Store and appreciating the present revitalization of a past treasure. Congratulations to Sandra, Lesley, and Mary!
 
Suicide Crisis Resources in Fairfield
If you or a loved one is experiencing a mental health crisis, there are several resources available to provide immediate help. Please check out the flyers above and click here for more information.