| I want to take the time to wish you and your loved ones a happy holiday season. I hope this message finds you having a great end to the year.
There are several things I'd like to keep you apprised of, including the governor's severe weather protocol going into effect, thousands of people have been provided medical debt relief by the state and tips on how to prevent elderly fraud. |
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| Severe Cold Weather Protocol |
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The severe cold weather protocol will go into effect on Saturday at noon until Tuesday at noon as wintry conditions make their way to Connecticut. This is the first time the governor has activated the protocol this season. The move gives our most vulnerable an opportunity to find a warm place during dangerously cold weather.
During the protocol, state agencies and municipalities coordinate with United Way 2-1-1 and Connecticut’s network of shelters to make sure that anyone in need can receive shelter.
Anyone who needs a warm place to stay is urged to call 2-1-1 to get connected to these services or visit 211ct.org to view a list of locations. Transportation can be provided if necessary.
Click here to learn more. |
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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.
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.
To view a sample of the letter recipients will soon receive in the mail, please click HERE. |
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Recent incidents in New Haven and Fairfield County 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 the Romance scam (Criminals pose as interested romantic partners on social media or dating websites); Tech support scam (Criminals pose as technology support representatives and offer to fix non-existent computer issues); Grandparent scam (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).
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 services 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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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!
Sincerely,
Farley Santos |
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