Maryam Khan

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.

With a blast of arctic air expected to blanket Connecticut over the next several days, the state's severe cold weather protocol went into effect for the first time this year, beginning yesterday through Tuesday, December 9, at noon.

Low temperatures over the next few days will dip into the single digits, with wind chills close to zero at times.

Anyone in need of shelter or a warming center is urged to visit 211ct.org or call 2-1-1 to find available locations. Transportation can be provided if necessary.

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.

Next Saturday, Nov. 15, I will be hosting a food assistance & distribution event from noon-2pm at Parker Memorial Community Center (2621 Main St, Hartford).

With the current expiration of SNAP benefits across the country and grocery prices rising, we have to do everything we can to help our residents in need.

This event will help families in our community at a time when they are struggling, and just before Thanksgiving.

If you can, I hope you'll join me in giving back to our community.