Dan Gaiewski

The deadline to sign up for Access Health CT coverage beginning January 1, 2026 is fast approaching. If you or someone you know needs health insurance for the upcoming year, now is the time to review your options and complete the enrollment process. Making sure you’re covered is one of the most important steps you can take to protect your health and financial well-being in the year ahead. To learn more about the enrollment process and to find the plan that is right for you, visit Access Health CT's website.

If residents enroll in a plan on or before December 15, their coverage will begin January 1, 2026.

If they enroll between December 16 and January 15, 2026, their coverage will begin February 1, 2026.

I want to take this opportunity to wish everyone a happy and healthy Thanksgiving. May your day be filled with warmth and moments of gratitude, surrounded by friends and loved ones - and good food.

While the $500 million emergency fund plans to cover the lack of funding for the national Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP), there are other state resources available now.

The Connecticut Energy Assistance Program and Eversource offer resources for those in need to help to cover the cost of their home energy bills this winter. Visit ct.gov/dss or the Eversource website for more information.

This week the State House and Senate met for a special session to pass a number of critical bills, ranging from a bill addressing Connecticut's housing crisis, a bill that sets money aside to keep vital federal programs afloat, and more.

All Connecticut SNAP recipients have access to their FULL November benefits on their EBT cards.

Despite the Trump administration’s continued efforts to take food away from our neighbors, CT is backfilling SNAP benefits to ensure funding is available. We refuse to let Republicans in Washington play games with food assistance.

To check your card balance, visit MyDSS.ct.gov or call 1-888-328-2666.

In honor of Veterans Day next Tuesday, I want to say thank you to those who have served in the United States military. Your courage, dedication, and sacrifices mean more than words can express.

We enjoy the freedoms and safety that define our country because of your service. I’m deeply grateful for everything you’ve done, and continue to do, to protect and uphold those values.

As the federal government shutdown continues, many Connecticut residents are facing uncertainty. United Way of Connecticut’s 211 has published a new resource to help. Click here to take a look at the resource that outlines the current status of federal programs and provides direct links to state and community resources for those affected.

211 is not directly impacted by the federal government shutdown and continues to operate 24/7/365. It’s never been more important to connect residents with trained contact specialists who provide personalized, confidential assistance for basic needs. In many cases, a single call results in multiple new referrals and supports, drawn from their up-to-date database of more than 40,000 community resources.