2/19/21 Newsletter

jenn
February 19, 2021
Please reach out to me and share your thoughts. I want to hear directly from you. Many of the legislative proposals this session will affect your family and our district, which is why it is so important for me to hear directly from you about what your top priorities are. I hope you will take a few minutes to complete this survey, so that I can better represent our district at the state capitol. 

This session, over 2,000 bills were proposed. Most bills will not receive a public hearing in committee and of those that do, many will not make it to the floor. Regardless, if there is a particular proposal you would like to discuss, please reach out to me at Jennifer.leeper@cga.ct,gov, I want to hear from you.
 
LEGISLATIVE HIGHLIGHTS
I am introducing and co-sponsoring dozens of bills this session and want to highlight the following proposals for you this week:
  1. H.B. 6125: a bill which will increase access to mental health services for students. 
  2. H.B. 6119: a bill which will increase funding to the arts, culture, and tourism in order to support our beloved arts and cultural centers and also, stimulate the economy. Did you know that every dollar invested into the arts results in seven dollars of economic productivity?
  3. H.B. 5612: a bill to amend teacher certification criteria for trade professionals to expand capacity in the technical high school system so as to give more students access to the middle class, to meet our workforce development needs, and grow CT's economy.
  4. H.B. 6121: a bill which will develop a workforce pipeline for people with intellectual disabilities. Over 80% of individuals with intellectual disabilities do not have work. It is essential that we develop a system allows individuals with disabilities to find work and through it, belonging, and fulfillment. 
 
VACCINATION TESTING SITES
If you live or work in Connecticut AND are currently eligible to receive a COVID-19 vaccine, there are multiple options for how you can schedule. 

Those eligible include: 
  • Healthcare Personnel: All paid and unpaid persons serving in healthcare settings who have the potential for direct or indirect exposure to patients of infectious materials. Healthcare personnel should contact their Employer Coordinator, who has been designated to ensure access to the vaccine. Vaccine administration for healthcare workers will be available at hospitals, outpatient clinics, and local health department.
  • Long-Term Care Facility Residents: Adults who reside in facilities that provide a range of services, including medical and personal care, to persons who are unable to live independently. Residents of long-term care facilities should ask facility leadership about reviewing vaccine. All vaccine clinics in long-term care facilities will be administered by CVS and Walgreens.
  • Medical First Responders: High risk of exposure to COVID-19 through their response to medical emergencies such as Emergency Medical Technicians, Police, and Fire.
  • Individuals 65 and older: While the state has opened scheduling up for 65+, we continue to work with our providers to ensure those 75+ can access vaccine.

See below for a list of scheduling options. 

1. Vaccine Access Line 
The Vaccine Appointment Assist Line is open 8a-8p, 7 days per week. By calling this line, you can schedule at locations across the State of Connecticut 

You can also search by location at ct.gov/covidvaccine 

Call: 877-918-2224

2. CVS 
CVS is currently offering vaccine in ~10 stores across the State of Connecticut 
Click here to schedule

3. Walmart 
Walmart will be offering COVID-19 vaccines at 7 locations across the State of Connecticut: Torrington, West Haven, North Windham, New Haven, Waterbury, Hartford and Norwalk 
Click here to schedule

4. VAMS
VAMS is the Vaccine Administration Management System, and can be used to schedule appointments at multiple clinics across the State, including: 

  • • Trinity Health of New England 
  • • Griffin Hospital 
  • • Nuvance Hospital 
  • • … and many health departments, FQHCs, and more ... 

Click here to schedule

Click here for more detailed instructions on how to create a VAMS account and schedule your appointment 

5. Hartford Healthcare 
Hartford Healthcare has multiple locations throughout the State, including large clinics in the Hartford-area. You can use MyChart to schedule 
Click here to schedule

6. Yale New Haven Hospital
Yale New Haven Hospital has multiple locations throughout the State, including large clinics in the New Haven area. You can use MyChart to schedule 
Click here to schedule

7. Stamford Health
Stamford Health is operating a clinic 7-days-per-week at the Stamford Hospital. You can use ZocDoc to schedule 
Click here to schedule
 
 
FAIRFIELD PUBLIC OPTION ROUNDTABLE 
Join me and my fellow legislators on Tuesday, February 23rd at 7:00PM for a discussion about the importance of creating a public health care option. 

Click here to register for the discussion. 
 
GOOD NEWS CORNER: RE-OPENING CT
On March 19th, private social and recreational events at commercial facilities will allow indoor capacity at 50% with a maximum of 100 people, and an outdoor capacity with a maximum of 200 people. 
 
AROUND THE DISTRICT 
Bigalow Tea 
Wolfgang & Co.
Fairfield Theater Company 
 
MENTAL HEALTH RESOURCES
The prolonged isolation resulting from the pandemic is wearing on us all. Please know that you are not alone and that brighter days do lie ahead. If you are feeling unusually lonely, anxious, sad, or otherwise out of sorts, please know that there are many resources available as we continue to navigate this difficult time. 
 
ACCESS HEALTH CT ENROLLMENT 
Access Health CT's (AHCT) Special Enrollment Period is open now through March 15, 2021 for uninsured residents to obtain quality, affordable health care coverage, particularly those negatively affected by the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic.
There are several ways to get help with enrollment including: 
  • Online: AccessHealthCT.com (Live chat: AccessHealthCT.com click “Live Chat” icon) 
  • Phone: 1-855-805-4325, Mon. – Fri.  8 AM - 4 PM
  • With Enrollment Specialists in the community 
  • In-person help at either of AHCT’s Navigator partner locations: 

Consumers will not be required to verify their eligibility for this Special Enrollment Period. Financial help will still be available for those who qualify.

Please note if you are currently enrolled in coverage through AHCT you will not be eligible to use this Special Enrollment Period to change your existing plans.

If you are in need this is an opportunity to put your mind at ease during these times. Access to good quality, affordable healthcare awaits.