Eleni Kavros DeGraw

Dear Neighbor,

After a busy week last week with a special session, this week is a bit quieter on the immediate front, but heating up on getting ready for the session that will begin in February. This is the time of year when, as legislators, and especially as a committee chair, organizations and advocates reach out for meetings to share ideas and concerns, and so do constituents who want to learn more about what's next.
 
It's also the time of year, of course, when our communities step up to help our neighbors have a happier holiday. This week, both Avon and Canton sent out emails detailing how you can help, and I've included that information below.
 
Tomorrow evening, there will be a "Know Your Rights" for renters organized by Town Council member Erin Barthel at the Avon Free Public Library. Though it is in Avon, anyone is welcome to attend. As you may recall, we recently saw renters at Avon Place form a tenants' union because of difficulty with out-of-state landlords.
 
We’ve also included information today on scams that are unfortunately gaining ground, an updated Department of Social Services phone system, and current information on Access Health Connecticut.
 
Have a great week,

Eleni

 

Even though the Affordable Care Act (ACA) subsidies are still up in the air (and if Congress does vote on an extension, the vote wouldn't happen until mid-December), Access Health CT is available to answer any questions you may have as you shop for health and dental plans. 

Access Health CT call centers are open to help residents understand their options. If customers enroll on or before December 15, their coverage will commence on January 1, 2026. If they enroll between December 16 and January 15, 2026, their coverage will start February 1, 2026.

• AHCT offers free expert help online, in-person, and over the phone to help customers with the process of enrolling.
• Customers can visit accesshealthct.com and click the GET HELP button on the homepage to find the option that works best for them — including scheduling an appointment, finding a nearby Navigator site, or attending an enrollment fair.
• There is also a list of Certified Brokers available, and it is free to work with a broker.  They are trained to help customers find a plan.
• Customers can also contact the AHCT call center at 1-855-805-4325 with questions. Help is available in over 100 languages.

The Connecticut Department of Agriculture (CT DoAg) is now accepting applications for the Animal Population Control Program’s (APCP) Low-Income Program. The online portal, apcp.ct.gov, allows eligible Connecticut residents to apply for assistance with spaying or neutering a dog or cat they own.

All applications must be submitted online.

Residents who meet the program’s income eligibility guidelines can apply quickly and easily online. To be eligible for the low-income program, pet owners must reside in Connecticut and receive benefits from one of five programs through the Department of Social Services at the time of application. Those programs include:

• Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP)
• Husky A, C, or D (Medicaid)
• State Administered General Assistance (SAGA)
• Temporary Family Assistance (TFA)
• State Supplement

How to Apply:

• Visit apcp.ct.gov and log in or register
• Complete the online application form
• Upload required documents
• Track your application status
• Receive an email notification containing your voucher number
• Redeem at a participating veterinary location

Upon approval, vouchers will be issued electronically for up to two (2) pets on a first-come, first-served basis of the available funds. The voucher is valid for 60 days and provides two vaccinations and a one-time sterilization benefit of $200 for a female dog, $180 for a male dog, $120 for a female cat, and $80 for a male cat.

Sterilizations and vaccinations must be performed by a Connecticut-licensed veterinarian participating in the Animal Population Control Program. A list of practices and facilities with participating licensed veterinarians can be found on the APCP program page.  

If the veterinarian's spay/neuter fee exceeds the voucher amount, the eligible pet owner is responsible for the difference. Payment for any additional procedures and/or medications is the responsibility of the pet owner.

The new system includes: 

• A simplified phone menu designed to help customers reach the right service
• A self-service experience for checking case status and benefit information 

Customers who enter their Client ID when calling will benefit from a customized service and be routed to the correct call queue. Additionally, for those who prefer to self-serve, the system now allows them to: 

• Check if DSS has received their documents and when they were reviewed
• View their case status and, if active, access benefit details 

Customers now have access to call-back options, allowing them to: 

• Save their place in line, or
• Schedule a call at a time that works best