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Dear Neighbor,
If you've been outside today, it definitely feels like the first day of Winter and while we won't be seeing snow tomorrow, we do have a very big storm on the way and in addition, very cold temperatures this weekend. Details below on storm preparedness — highly recommend charging all of your devices and downloading the Eversource app on your phone. Keep an eye out for black ice once the flash freeze occurs toward the end of this storm system.
As you know and I have discussed previously, energy costs are high and we are looking to address this further for our ratepayers this session, but in the meantime, I've included information on what has already been done, what you can do, and what we are looking into as well.
You'll also see information about the upcoming Access Health deadlines in case you are looking for health insurance for the New Year.
While we may/may not have an update next week, I am anxiously awaiting the new year and for the session to begin two weeks from today, on January 4. As always, if you have ideas for legislation or if I can be of help, please respond to any of these emails. Additionally, you can watch the opening session, our public hearings, and committee meetings at CT-N.com and find previous recordings there as well.
Whatever you are celebrating, I hope it is joyous for you, your friends, and your family. Wishing you good health and happiness for 2023!
Have a wonderful week,
Eleni
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Wishing You a Happy Holiday Season!
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I want to wish you and your loved ones happy holidays! While celebrating this holiday season's traditions and festivities may be more normal than in recent years, please continue to take reasonable precautions to help keep everyone safe.
I have heard from my constituents that the last year has once again been difficult for many of our neighbors, so if you know someone who may need encouragement, please reach out.
Sending wishes for a joyous and safe holiday weekend! Chag Sameach, Merry Christmas, and Happy Kwanzaa!
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Winter Solstice and Cold Weather Protocols
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It's the start of winter and the shortest day of the year. Here are some quick reminders as it starts to get colder:
- Stay safe and healthy by planning ahead
- Prepare your home and vehicles
- Prepare for power outages and outdoor activity
- Check on older adults
Weather reports are showing the possibility for heavy rain and strong winds starting Thursday and lasting into Friday, so this is a good time to make sure you're prepared. In addition, Governor Lamont announced that based on a weather forecast indicating that Connecticut may experience below-zero wind chills over the weekend, he will be activating the state’s severe cold weather protocol beginning at 6 p.m. on Friday, December 23, and remaining in effect through noon on Monday, December 26. This is the first time the protocol is being enacted during the 2022-2023 winter season.
While enacted, a system is set up for state agencies and municipalities to coordinate with United Way 2-1-1 and Connecticut’s network of shelters to make sure that anyone in need can receive shelter from the outdoors, including transportation to shelters.
Anyone in need is urged to call 2-1-1 to get connected to these services. Safety measures have been enacted at shelters and warming centers throughout Connecticut to adhere to the needs of the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic.
For emergency management news and resources, visit the state’s CTPrepares website at ct.gov/ctprepares or download the CTPrepares app to mobile devices at the Apple App Store and the Google Play Store.
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Solutions to Skyrocketing Energy Costs
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As the natural gas supply shortage continues to affect the globe and the country, Connecticut's two electric distribution companies, Eversource and United Illuminating (UI), announced that they are doubling their rates effective January 1, 2023. This unwelcome news comes as both Eversource and UI collect record profits, passing the cost burden onto us.
These increases will impact thousands of Connecticut families who have already faced numerous challenges over the last few years and now may not have the resources they need to keep their heat and lights on throughout the winter months.
This is unacceptable.
My legislative colleagues and I have been hard at work finding solutions, both long- and short-term, to ensure every family in Connecticut has access to affordable utilities.
How you can save now:
- Last month, the Governor announced the launch of the collaborative short-term Customer Relief Plan, a $120/year credit towards your electricity bill, for all Eversource and UI customers, which can offer a savings of $10/month on your utility bill
- Energize CT is a publicly funded resource where you can secure lower rates for a minimum of 4 months from third-party suppliers and learn how to make your home energy efficient to lower consumption
- During the November special session, we increased funding for Operation Fuel, an energy assistance resource for qualifying low-income families, which has an assistance program that began December 19th
- During the November special session, we also approved an additional $30 million boost in funding for the Low-Income Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP), which you can apply for here through May 31, 2023
- Additional energy assistance is available by contacting Human Services Department, community action agency, or me directly
In addition to these resources, House Democratic Leadership has formed a bipartisan commission with industry-experienced representation to evaluate alternative energy programs and legislative proposals that we can raise to protect families from severe rate hikes like this in the future.
The work we are committed to:
- Greater investment in other sources of clean energy to remain committed to Connecticut's environmental goals while making our state's utilities affordable for all
- More regional options for energy supply to lower delivery costs
- Sufficient transparency on rate increases offering greater review and public input
- Research states with regulated markets and lower consumer costs to draft similar legislative proposals
I understand that the soaring energy prices continue to affect working families, which is why my colleagues and I remain committed to working on solutions that will provide resources and assistance to ease the cost burden on you. Please feel free to share your thoughts with me on how we can better offer aid to working families, and if you need help applying for any of the energy assistance programs listed above, please do not hesitate to contact me directly.
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Access Health CT Open Enrollment Continues Through January 15, 2023
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Access Health CT's (AHCT) enrollment period is underway and remains open until January 15, 2023. This is the time to renew coverage and explore policy options that work best for you.
Open Enrollment is the time you can enroll in or renew a Qualified Health Plan (QHP) or Stand-Alone Dental Plan (SADP). You can now enroll in health and dental insurance at the same time through Access Health CT. We encourage all customers to shop and compare plans this year – make sure you have the right plan for you for 2023 and get all the financial help you can.
What’s New This Year?
- The Inflation Reduction Act (IRA) makes health insurance coverage more affordable by greatly reducing monthly payments (premiums) for many people who enroll through Access Health CT. And, it provides financial help for people with somewhat higher incomes who can face high premiums. More people qualify for help paying for health coverage, even those who weren’t eligible in the past.
- More people will be eligible for financial help in Plan Year 2023. If an individual is covered by an employer-sponsored plan that does not provide affordable coverage for the rest of their family members, their spouse and dependents can enroll in a plan through Access Health CT and potentially be eligible for financial help.
- It's easier than ever to enroll in dental coverage that works for you. You can quickly shop for, compare and enroll in dental plans through AccessHealthCT.com.
- The Covered Connecticut Program, administered by the Connecticut Department of Social Services, provides health insurance coverage, dental coverage and Non-Emergency Medical Transportation (NEMT) benefits at no cost to residents who meet certain eligibility requirements.
The Open Enrollment Period for 2023 coverage goes until January 15, 2023. The date you enroll determines when your health and/or dental coverage will start:
- For coverage starting February 1, 2023, you must complete your application and enroll by January 15, 2023.
Connecticut residents that are eligible for the new Covered Connecticut Program can enroll at any time. Your coverage will start on the first of the month after you complete your application and enroll in the Program.
You can enroll in coverage any time of year if you:
- Are an American Indian or Alaska Native;
- Qualify for HUSKY Health (Medicaid/Children’s Health Insurance Program (CHIP));
- Have a life-changing event – like losing health coverage through your job, getting married, having a baby, or moving to Connecticut – that qualifies you for a regular Special Enrollment Period; or
- Become eligible for the Covered Connecticut Program or the Special Enrollment Period for Residents with Lower Income
Visit Access Health CT for more information.
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Sincerely,
Eleni Kavros DeGraw
State Representative
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