Informational Meeting Scheduled on Health Insurance Rate Increases

August 4, 2022


 
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Dear Neighbor,

On Friday, the State Bond Commission met to approve funding for numerous community projects across our state. Among the investments was nearly $9 million for West Hartford initiatives, including repairs to the Noah Webster House and Park Road improvements. I was proud to work with the West Hartford delegation and Mayor Shari Cantor to secure these funds.

The $1.5 million for the Park Road Rehabilitation project updates the infrastructure for pedestrians and bicyclists, and provides a clear and distinctive identity for the neighborhood with additional signage, benches and trees.

The $415,000 for the Noah Webster House will complete and open the West Hartford History Center with the archiving abilities to ensure that the town’s history is properly preserved and accessible for future generations.

I’m excited about these investments in our town's future. They not only benefit our community's future but help relieve  dependence on local property taxes to pay for these important projects

 
LEGISLATIVE BUSINESS
The federal Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) has approved the State of Connecticut’s request to extend Medicaid (known in Connecticut as HUSKY) and Children’s Health Insurance Program (CHIP) coverage for twelve months after pregnancy.

This extension will allow all individuals twelve months of HUSKY coverage to address postpartum health needs, which may include recovery from childbirth, pregnancy complications, mental health needs, and chronic health issues. This will help reduce maternal mortality and takes a step forward in our fight to end racial disparities as they pertain to maternal mortality.

Parents enrolled in HUSKY Health will automatically receive this extended coverage. Parents not currently enrolled in HUSKY Health can apply through Access Health CT at accesshealthct.com or 1-855-805-4325. To learn more about this, please click here.

 
Insurance companies are requesting to rate increases of an average of 20.4% for plans starting in 2023, a steep spike from the 8.6% average rate increase request for 2022. These massive rate increase requests showcase why I did and will continue to advocate for a public option - our small businesses and nonprofits simply cannot afford to offer the basic benefit of health care.
 
You have an opportunity to ask questions and provide comments to the insurance companies proposing these rate hikes!
 
On Monday, August 15th at 9 AM, the Connecticut Insurance Department (CID) will host a public meeting to receive public input on the proposed rate increases filed by CIGNA Health & LifeCTCare Inc.CTCare Benefits Inc., and the ConnectiCare Insurance Company, Inc.
 
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 clicking the button below to send an email with your name and written comments attached.
 
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. Click here to learn how you can sign up to comment during the meeting.
 
The CID is also seeking your input on increased rate proposals filed by AetnaAnthem Health Plans, and United Healthcare/Oxford for the 2023 plan year. You can view the rate requests and provide public comment by clicking here.
     
    STATE & LOCAL RESOURCES
    High temperatures are in the forecast over the next several days, prompting activation of Connecticut's extreme hot weather protocol, which will remain in effect through 8 p.m. on Friday, August 5, 2022. Temperatures are expected to reach more than 90 degrees with a heat index in the low to mid 90s. 

    The state's extreme hot weather protocol ensures vulnerable populations can access protection from the heat. A system is set up for state agencies, municipalities, and other partners to coordinate with United Way 2-1-1 to provide information about cooling centers so residents can seek relief from the heat. 

    Anyone in need of a cooling center should call 2-1-1 or visit 211ct.org to locate one near them. 

    For more information and tips on how to stay safe during the extreme heat, please click here.

    Additional safety tips and extreme heat-related information can be found on 211ct.org's Extreme Hot Weather Page or in 2-1-1 Extreme Heat Precautions and Safety Tips.

     
    Connecticut's Alliance District Teacher Loan Subsidy Program (ADTLS) aims to increase recruitment and retention of high-quality staff in Alliance School Districts. Passed in 2021, this program allows educators who commit to teaching in an Alliance District to refinance their student loans at a lower interest rate.

    When teachers refinance to a Connecticut Higher Education Supplemental Loan Authority (CHESLA) Alliance District Teacher Loan, their interest rate will be reduced by a three-percentage point subsidy compared to the standard finance rate. 

    Teachers will receive that interest rate subsidy as long as they continue to teach in an Alliance District and maintain a Connecticut Educator Certification. Teachers can refinance any amount between $5,000 and $25,000. 

    Alliance District Teacher Loan Subsidy Program Details
    Program Application
     
    Primary elections are less than a week away! If you're planning to vote by absentee ballot, applications can be submitted immediately and dropped in the Election Drop Boxes at the West Hartford Town Hall and the Faxon Branch Library. You can also mail your application to the Town Clerk's office:

    West Hartford Town Clerk
    50 South Main St, Room 313
    West Hartford, CT 06107

    Voters are eligible for an absentee ballot if they cannot appear at their assigned polling place on election day because of their military service, absence from town, illness, religious tenets forbid secular activity on the day of the election, duties as an election official at a polling place other than their own during all hours of voting, or physical disability. 

    Absentee ballots are available as of July 19. To download an application, please click here. Voters who have questions about accessing an absentee ballot can email them to Elections@WestHartfordCT.gov

    For additional information, please click here.

    Today is the deadline for new voters to register by mail and online! New voters have until August 8 to register in person. Make sure you visit the Registrar of Voters office before 12 p.m.!

     
    As always, if I can be of assistance to you and your family, please reach out to me at 860-240-8585 or email me at Kate.Farrar@cga.ct.gov. Follow @KateforCT on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram to stay up-to-date on everything I'm doing at the Capitol!

    Sincerely,

    Kate Farrar
    State Representative
    she/her/hers

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