11/16 Updates: Help for Small Businesses, Open Enrollment

November 16, 2020

I hope you and your family and healthy and safe.  Now that election season is behind us, my focus turns back to the upcoming legislative session and to helping help you and our neighbors stay up-to-date on the ever-evolving stream of information related to the COVID-19 pandemic.  My office and I are constantly working to provide updates and important news as it develops over social media and by email. This is a recap of some of this week’s highlights.

Below you can find information on the following topics:

  • COVID-19 Update
  • Assistance for Small Businesses
  • Access Health CT Open Enrollment
  • 2020 Manchester Road Race
  • Honoring Our Veterans

For more information about the state's response efforts visit ct.gov/coronavirus. To receive text message notifications, sign up for CTAlert, the state’s emergency alert system. To subscribe, text "COVIDCT" to 888-777.


COVID-19 Update

As you know, the number of Covid-19 cases, hospitalizations and the positivity rate continues to increase.  This week The Town of Manchester was upgraded to the "red" alert level.  See the chart below for a summary of what these classifications mean and stay tuned to local alerts from the Town Health Departments.

COVID-19 Chart

Connecticut residents can now take advantage of a new notification app that will help mitigate the spread of COVID-19 throughout their communities.

COVID Alert CT will notify users on their smartphones if they may have been exposed to someone with COVID-19 without sharing any personal information.

The app is free and available now for Apple and Android users.

How does it work? 

  • First, users should visit ct.gov/covidalertct, where they can find instructions on how to download the app for their specific device.
  • Once installed, the app uses Bluetooth to sense whether a user’s device has been within 6 feet of someone who has tested positive for COVID-19 for a total of 15 minutes or more in one day – without sharing any personal information.
  • If a user has been near another person who has tested positive and is also using the app on their personal device, an alert will be triggered notifying the user that they may have been exposed to COVID-19.
  • A notification will not be triggered if two devices in this scenario are just passing by for a short duration or stay more than 6 feet away from each other. 

If a user tests positive:

  • A contact tracer from the Connecticut Department of Public Health, their local health department, or their higher education institution will ask them if they are willing to share the “close contact” codes their app has logged while they may have been contagious.
  • If the user agrees, a contract tracer will provide them with a verification code.
  • Once that code is submitted through the user’s app, those individuals who came within 6 feet of that user for more than 15 minutes and who also are using the app will receive a notification on their device that they were in close contact with someone with COVID-19.
  • Sharing this status is secure and private. The app will never reveal who the user is to anyone else.

Assistance For Small Businesses
 

Small businesses and nonprofits impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic are now able to apply for a one-time $5,000 grant through the Connecticut CARES Small Business Grant Program.

Eligible businesses include:

  • No more than $1.5 million in annual payroll
  • 20 or fewer employees
  • Home-based businesses
  • For-profit businesses using any type of incorporation, and 501(c)(3), 501(c)(4), 501(c)(6), 501(c)(7), and 501(c)(19) nonprofits
  • Sole proprietorships

Funds can be used for payroll, rent/mortgage, utilities, inventory, equipment purchases, and more. Approved applicants are expected to receive funds by the end of the year.

What documents are needed to complete the application?

The goal of the CT CARES grant application is to be straightforward and easy. It is not a loan that needs to be paid back. All applicants will receive funding by December 30, 2020.

Minimally applicants will need, if applicable: 

  • Social Security number
  • Federal EIN number
  • State TAX ID number
  • Bank Routing Number 

Answers to frequently asked questions are available here. Click here for additional information about the program, including the link to the application, funding priorities, full eligibility guidelines, and office hours for applicants to access assistance with the application process.


Access Health CT Open Enrollment
 

The Access Health CT Open Enrollment period started November 1, and already thousands of Connecticut residents have explored their health insurance options. This year, Access Health CT is offering a variety of in-person and virtual opportunities for residents to shop, compare, and enroll in coverage.

Access Health is providing free assistance through the following:

  • In-Person Enrollment Locations: There are enrollment locations in Groton, Bridgeport, New Haven, New Britain, Stamford, and Hartford open Monday through Friday from 9 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Customers must make an appointment and follow safety protocols (mask wearing, hand sanitizing, temperature checks, social distancing, and completing a health questionnaire). Find an in-person enrollment location near you here.
  • Virtual Enrollment Fairs: Customers can select the day that works best for them to speak to a customer service representative to enroll. Customers must have an internet connection and a computer, tablet, or smart phone to access their account during the call. Virtual enrollment fairs are by appointment on Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday and Saturday. Make an appointment here.
  • Online at AccessHealthCT.com
  • Live Chat: AccessHealthCT.com, click on the "Live Chat" icon
  • Phone: Call 1-855-805-4325, Monday – Friday from 8 a.m. – 8 p.m.; Saturday from 9 a.m. – 3 p.m.
  • Speak with a Certified Broker or Enrollment Specialist in your community. Find one here.

When enrolling, make sure you have the following information for yourself and those in your household applying for coverage:

  •  Dates of Birth
  • Social Security numbers
  • Visa, green card or immigration documents
  • Most recent W2 and/or Form 1040, Form 1099
  • Current insurance coverage
  • Paystubs, Profit & Loss statements, or other employment information to confirm income for everyone in your tax household

Open Enrollment closes December 15, 2020. Coverage begins January 1, 2021. Visit Learn.AccessHealthCT.com to learn more.


2020 Manchester Road Race
 
The historic Manchester Road Race is going virtual this year!
 
I’ve spent nearly all of my 43 years as a spectator at the Manchester Road Race.  If there is one thing I am not - it is runner.
 
But this is it - this is the year I will finally be getting out there and “running.”
 
If I can do it you can do it!  This venerable institution needs your support this year more than ever! To sign up, click HERE.

Honoring Our Veterans
 
It was an honor to march with our Veterans on Wednesday and to commemorate the 100th Anniversary of Manchester Memorial Hospital, which was established in recognition of those from Manchester who gave the ultimate sacrifice in WWI.
 
I wish to thank all of our Veterans for their service and sacrifice for our country.