State Capitol Update from Rep. Roberts

April 6, 2023





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Dear Neighbor,

I hope you are well. We were back in session for the first time in a few weeks, voting on judicial, executive & legislative nominations.



While it was one of the lighter session days, upcoming session days will soon pick up as proposed bills have narrowed down through committees. I will keep you updated as bills advance through the House.



Wishing people of faith and their families peaceful celebrations and spiritual reflection as our communities observe religious traditions.



Have a good weekend!

Additional Resources for Expiring Services

On April 1, a number of resources that offered vital assistance to our most vulnerable community members came to an end or ended expanded eligibility.

  • Free Bus Services in Connecticut
    • Bus fares for all buses and ADA paratransit in Connecticut have returned
    • Federal restrictions prevent the state from extending this benefit for more than a year
  • SNAP Bump Payments and Automatic Determination
    • Families will no longer receive the additional pandemic-related payment in the middle of the month
    • Redeterminations restarted and will occur every 6 months
    • DSS does not have any control over when these benefits end because funding was provided under federal legislation
  • HUSKY Continuous Coverage
    • Medicaid enrollees will again have to provide proof of eligibility annually
If you, or a loved one were utilizing any of these resources and are now experiencing a disruption in vital care, please contact me by clicking the button below. My office and I will work to provide additional resources that may be able to offer you necessary assistance.
Email Me
Expanded Access to Health Coverage for Personal Care Attendants
Personal care attendants (PCAs) will have additional access to affordable health insurance after an agreement was reached to expand the application deadline for PCAs to apply for the first round of the new premium assistance benefit.



PCAs, who provide valuable services and support to more than 7,000 of Connecticut’s Medicaid consumers so they can remain in their homes and communities, may now apply for the premium benefit through April 7. The special enrollment period for coverage through Access Health CT, the state's health insurance exchange, runs until May 15. For those who do not apply for assistance by April 7, another application period will be provided later this year with payment on or around September, in time for the traditional open enrollment period on Access Health CT.

 

Connecticut is one of the first states to do this, and I encourage all PCA s who are not enrolled in health coverage to sign up for this important benefit.

Access Health CT has a special enrollment period and dedicated telephone line with navigator assistance for PCAs so that they can easily find the best health insurance option for them and obtain enrollment support. The Access Health CT navigators also screen the PCAs for eligibility for the HUSKY and Covered CT programs. 

 

PCAs will soon receive communication with instructions on how they can access this important benefit.

How to Avoid Tax Scams

A great way to protect yourself is to do additional research on anything that seems suspicious. Do not click on an email or a link to an unfamiliar website. Never give out any personal information—especially your Social Security Number—to someone claiming to represent the IRS over the phone or online. When in doubt, visit IRS.gov for additional guidance.

 

Filing taxes can be a stressful process. Avoiding these scams can prevent an even larger headache. The deadline to file is April 18.

Summer Enrichment Grant Program

The Summer Enrichment Grant Program is back! 🏕️



Thanks to a third round of funding to the Connecticut State Department of Education, this program can once again provide equitable, high-quality, and accessible summer enrichment opportunities for Connecticut children.



Camps can use the funds for expanding the number of students served, adding additional support services and/or activities, and subsidizing enrollment costs by providing scholarships for families from low-income backgrounds.



You can learn more here: bit.ly/3l6Bb9q

If you have questions, or ever need any help please don't hesitate to reach out by phone, (800) 842-8267 or email, Kadeem.Roberts@cga.ct.gov. 



Sincerely,



Kadeem Roberts

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