Available Flooding Assistance & Access Health CT Open Enrollment

November 8, 2024


I am truly honored to serve as your state representative for another term. I look forward to listening to your feedback, addressing your concerns at the Capitol, and continuing to advocate for our community.

You can enroll right now for health insurance via Access Health CT. The timing is key because the sooner you act, the sooner you will get coverage. Please read below to learn how you can enroll or renew your plan.

There is still time to apply for financial assistance after historic floods caused damage over the summer. Keep scrolling to see how you can apply for help before the deadline.

Here are the sections in this week's email:

  • Access Health CT Open Enrollment
  • Apply Now for Assistance After Floods
  • Emergency Burn Ban Remains in Effect
  • Celebrating Puerto Rian Heritage Month 
  • Learn About Upgrades Coming to Train Station
  • Derby Events Calendar
  • Upcoming Events in Hamden
  • Orange Events Calendar
  • Upcoming Events in Woodbridge
 
Access Health CT Open Enrollment
You can enroll right now for health insurance through Access Health CT (AHCT). Anyone who lives in Connecticut can shop and compare health insurance plans or renew their coverage. Customers may also enroll in dental insurance through AHCT. Open enrollment ends on January 15, 2025

When you enroll affects when your coverage starts. If customers enroll on or before December 15, coverage will start January 1, 2025. If they enroll between December 16 and January 15, 2025, coverage will start February 1, 2025.

AHCT is the only place Connecticut residents can get financial help to pay for their health insurance. Nearly 90% of AHCT customers enrolled in a Qualified Health Plan (QHP) receive assistance. Some customers might also qualify for the Covered CT Program. This program provides no cost insurance for eligible residents.

Free help to sign up is available online, in person, and over the phone. For a list of enrollment fairs and to register, visit the Enrollment Events webpage on the AHCT website. Information about enrollment locations and Navigator locations are also listed. Customers can also get help from a certified broker or enrollment specialist in their community.

Go to AccessHealthCT.com and click "Get Help" or call 1-855-805-4325. Help is available in more than 100 languages. Customers who are deaf or hearing impaired may use TTY at 1-855-789-2428 or call a relay operator. People can also chat live with a customer service representative by clicking the “Live Chat” icon on the website.

 
Apply Now for Assistance After Floods
Time is running out for homeowners, renters, and businessowners affected by August flooding to apply for federal disaster assistance. The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) and the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) are accepting applications to support recovery for uninsured or underinsured property damage.
 
The deadline to apply is Tuesday, November 19. This assistance is made possible by the major disaster declaration President Joe Biden approved in September for New Haven, Fairfield, and Litchfield Counties. The state urges storm victims to file insurance claims for property damage before applying for assistance.

There are several ways to apply for FEMA assistance:

  • In-person at the Disaster Recovery Center at Southbury Town Hall (501 Main Street, Southbury). It is open Mondays to Fridays from 8:00 A.M. to 6:00 P.M., Saturdays from 8:00 A.M. to 4:00 P.M., and is closed on Sundays.
  • Online at DisasterAssistance.gov or through the FEMA mobile app.
  • Via telephone through the FEMA Helpline at 1-800-621-3362. (If you use video relay service, captioned telephone service, or others, give FEMA your number for that service. Helpline operators are available from 7:00 a.m. to midnight daily. Press 2 for Spanish. Press 3 for an interpreter who speaks your language.)

There are several ways to apply for SBA assistance:

  • In-person at the Business Recovery Center located at Oxford Town Hall (486 Oxford Road, Oxford). It is open Mondays to Fridays from 8:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m., Saturdays from 9:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m., and is closed on Sundays.
  • Online at SBA.gov/disaster.
  • Via telephone through the SBA Customer Service Center at 1-800-659-2955. Individuals who are deaf or hard-of-hearing may call 1-800-877-8339.
Click here for info on CT's recovery from the storm
 
Emergency Burn Ban Remains in Effect

An emergency burn ban remains in effect across all Connecticut State Parks, Forests, and Wildlife Management areas. Outdoor burning is not allowed, and crews will enforce the ban, which means you cannot use:

  • outdoor grills
  • firepits
  • campfires
  • jack-o-lanterns with flames

Please dispose of smoking materials responsibly.

 
Celebrating Puerto Rican Heritage Month
November is Puerto Rican Heritage Month, a time to celebrate and honor the rich cultural contributions, history, and traditions of Puerto Ricans in the state and across the United States. This observance provides an opportunity to reflect on the achievements and ongoing impact of the Puerto Rican community, both locally and nationally. 
The 114th district has a significant Puerto Rican population, with many families having deep roots across the state. Over the decades, Puerto Ricans have become an integral part of Connecticut’s diverse fabric, contributing to the state’s economy, culture, and identity. From the arts and music to education, politics, and business, Puerto Ricans have played an essential role in shaping the state’s development and continuing growth.

As we celebrate Puerto Rican Heritage Month, we pay tribute to the past, honor the present, and look toward a future where Puerto Rican culture continues to thrive for generations to come. 

 
Learn About Upgrades Coming to Train Station
The Connecticut Department of Transportation will host public information meetings to discuss planned improvements to the Derby-Shelton station.

REGISTER HERE for the virtual meeting on Monday, November 18 at 6:00 P.M.

The meeting on Tuesday, November 19 at 6:00 P.M. will be held at the Ansonia Senior Center at 65 Main Street in Ansonia. You can also attend remotely by CLICKING HERE.

 
Derby Events Calendar
Check out the events below, and click the button at the bottom of this section to access the community calendar in Derby.
Derby Community Calendar
 
Upcoming Events in Hamden
Take a look at the fliers and other upcoming events below.
More Hamden Events
 
Orange Events Calendar
Check out the events and community calendar in Orange below.
Orange Community Calendar
 
Upcoming Events in Woodbridge
Check out the flier and community calendar in Woodbridge below.
Massaro Community Farm of Woodbridge invites the community to enjoy a captivating evening of stargazing on Saturday, November 9 at 7:00 P.M. There will be telescopes available to explore the night sky, or you can bring your own. Be sure to bring blankets or chairs to relax. Warm drinks and tasty snacks will be available for purchase. CLICK HERE to get your tickets.
Woodbridge Community Calendar