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I hope this message finds you and yours well!
During November's Special Session, the legislature approved a $500 million Emergency Fund for the state to use to respond to any cuts from the federal government. In the past week, the state's plans to use $70 million to cover healthcare subsidies, and the plans to use $5.2 million to combat homelessness. In this email, you can read more about how this funding will be used, learn about medical debt relief on the way for 40,000 residents, and more.
As always, I am here as a resource for Ansonia and Derby residents to help address any questions or concerns you have. Please don't hesitate to reach out to my office at any time and email me at kara.rochelle@cga.ct.gov. |
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I will hold my monthly in-person “Coffee with Kara” Event on Friday, December 19th, from 8 a.m. to 9 a.m. at Valley Diner, 636 New Haven Ave, Derby.
Ansonia and Derby residents are welcome to attend this event. Please feel welcome to come share your thoughts, ask questions, and provide feedback on state policy issues.
I hope to see you there! |
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| Access Health Open Enrollment Deadline Extended |
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Due to a system outage that may have prevented many customers from enrolling in health and dental coverage by the December 15, 2025 deadline for coverage effective January 1, 2026, Access Health CT is extending the enrollment deadline. Customers now have until Saturday, December 20, 2025, at 3:00 p.m. to enroll in coverage beginning January 1, 2026.
To receive coverage effective January 1, 2026, enrollment must be completed by contacting the Access Health CT Call Center. Applications completed on the website will result in coverage beginning February 1, 2026.
Call: 1-855-805-4325 or TTY: 1-855-789-2428
- Monday–Friday: 8:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m.
- Saturday: 9:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m.
Customers should expect longer-than-normal hold times and are encouraged to call before 3:00 p.m. on Saturday, December 20 to ensure enrollment is completed. Assistance is available in more than 100 languages.
If you work with a Certified Broker, please contact your broker for assistance enrolling by Saturday, December 20.
Open Enrollment ends January 15, 2026. You may continue to enroll online at AccessHealthCT.com, but coverage will begin February 1, 2026.
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| Emergency Funding for Healthcare Subsidies and Homelessness |
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We passed a $500 million emergency response fund during November's special session to support residents facing harmful cutbacks from the federal level. We stepped up to protect families and keep health care accessible and affordable.
Now that fund is being put to use. This week, quite frustratingly, the federal government failed to extend federal Affordable Care Act subsidies. These subsidies are a lifeline for many residents, and without them premiums would raise by two or three amounts. As a result, Governor Lamont announced this week, we are committing $70 million to offset the cuts to Affordable Care Act subsidies. This crucial investment will protect thousands of families covered through Access Health CT (AHCT) — including many right here in Ansonia and Derby — from the steep premium increases expected when federal subsidies expire at the end of the year.
Thanks to this action, anyone earning up to four times the federal poverty level will be kept completely whole. For individuals earning up to $56,000 a year, health care costs will remain unchanged. Likewise, a family of four with an annual income of up to approximately $128,000 will see little to no change in their costs. Partial subsidies are being considered for those with slightly higher incomes, up to $75,000 for single individuals and $160,000 or more for a family of four who would pay slightly more than they do now.
As more details become available, I will be sure to share them. |
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The state plans to also use that same emergency response fund to combat homelessness. According to the Connecticut Coalition to End Homelessness, one in every 1,000 state residents is experiencing homelessness. The federal government has suspended its primary homelessness prevention and support services grant program, exacerbating the issue.
In response, the state will consider using at least $5.2 million to offset the losses from the fed’s Continuum of Care program. The aim is to help those who do not have a home and prevent others from falling into the same situation.
Governor Lamont will submit his plan soon, and legislative leaders will have 24 hours to respond. I will keep you posted on any developments. |
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An additional 40,000 Connecticut residents will have their medical debts erased, part of an initiative launched which is a state partnership with the nonprofit Undue Medical Debt to give relief to those struggling to pay medical bills.
This is the third round of the initiative, which has now eliminated $198 million for 160,000 Connecticut residents since Dec. 2024. The program's arrangement allows the debt to be forgiven at a fraction of its face value - typically costing a few pennies on the dollar.
Those affected by this program should receive a letter in the mail this week informing them of their debt forgiveness. There is no application process for this relief, and it cannot be requested.
Relieving tens of thousands of Connecticut residents from the stress of paying down burdensome medical debt will make a profound difference in their lives - especially in the holiday season.
You can read more about the program here and here. |
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| New Laws Effective January 1, 2026 |
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As we welcome a new year, several laws passed in the last legislative session will take effect on January 1, 2026.
These new measures address key issues impacting our state and its residents, including expanded incentives for farmers, strengthened protections for workers in sensitive professions, and improved reporting requirements to better track higher education enrollment, post-secondary credits, and student opportunities. |
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We took a major step forward in advancing policies that support new, diverse housing options across Connecticut. With some of the highest housing costs in the region, too many individuals and families are being priced out of the communities where they work, where they grew up, and where they hope to retire.
Preventative health care continues to be a priority because early detection saves both lives and long-term costs. To support this, we now require health insurers to cover certain high-priority biomarker tests that aid in early detection, prevention, and treatment. Additionally, we have prohibited the substitution of lower-priced drugs for higher-priced medications for individuals living with multiple sclerosis and arthritis, and we have made this ban permanent for medications used to treat mental health disorders.
You can click the link below to see the full list of new laws taking effect on January 1, 2026. Feel free to reach out to my office if you have any questions. |
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| Spotlighting Local Excellence |
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Please join me in thanking and congratualting the “Kindness Unit” at Mead School, spearheaded by teacher Mrs. Hydar and her amazing students, for collecting and donating over 100 sets of pajamas as part of their fourth annual “Kozies for Kiddos” program!
The pajamas were donated today to the Boys & Girls club, so that no child goes without a warm and snuggly pair of pajamas this winter.
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Please join me in thanking Casa Bianca Pizza Ansonia, who I recently recognized as a “Community Champion” with a state citation for their civic involvement, charity, and support for the people of Ansonia and Derby.
As you know, they often donate pizzas to various community events, charity events, and sports events in the area. Shawn, the owner, and his team go above and beyond to not only spread love through their delicious food, but they set a great example with their steadfast and enthusiastic support for our community. Thank you Casa Bianca for being a true community champion!
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I am so honored to receive the Trailblazer Award from Emerge CT! Being a woman in politics can be tough, and this organization equips women to lead. Being recognized for my dedication and hard work is humbling, and I am so proud to share this award with you all. Leading with grace, grit, and a deep commitment to the hardworking families in my community is so important to me and this recognition is touching.
Thank you Emerge for this honor!
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I hope to see you at my coffee hour this week!
Please feel free to contact me with any thoughts or concerns you may have at Kara.Rochelle@cga.ct.gov or 1-800-842-8267. Follow my Facebook page for regular legislative updates.
All my Best,
Kara Rochelle
State Representative
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