This week, I want to speak plainly about something I’ve been hearing at the doors, on the phone, and in our inbox: people are worried their health care is about to get more expensive. I’ve talked with dozens of us, parents, small business owners, retirees, who are watching the news out of Washington and wondering if they’ll be the ones left holding the bag.
For me, the key issue is saving lives, not party lines. It’s about making sure every family that needs it can see a doctor, afford their prescriptions, or seek the care they need without wondering which way the political winds are blowing. When people need help, I don’t argue about who they voted for; I do whatever I can to get them the support they need.
Further in this newsletter, I’ll walk you through the concrete steps we’ve taken to protect you from federal cutbacks and rising premiums, and other resources that I hope will be of help to you and your family. Help is on the way.
I’m proud to be fighting for this relief, and even prouder to deliver real support for the families who need it most.
Sincerely,
Hubert Delany
$70 Million Emergency Healthcare Funding
We passed a $500 million emergency response fund during November's special session to support residents facing harmful federal cutbacks from the Trump administration. We stepped up to protect families and keep health care accessible and affordable.
Now that fund is being put to use. This week, the U.S. Senate failed to extend federal Affordable Care Act subsidies. 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 Stamford — 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. When Washington walks away, Connecticut Democrats step up to protect health care costs for thousands of residents.
This is also an important reminder that the deadline to sign up for Access Health CT coverage beginning January 1, 2026, is approaching. Open enrollment is underway, making now the perfect time to explore your options and complete the enrollment process. Coverage start dates:
Enroll on or before December 15 to begin coverage on January 1, 2026.
Enroll between December 16 and January 15, 2026 to begin coverage on February 1, 2026.
If you or someone you know needs health insurance for the upcoming year, now is the time to complete the enrollment process. Making sure you’re covered is one of the most important steps you can take to protect your health and financial well-being in the year ahead. To learn more about the enrollment process and to find the plan that is right for you, visit Access Health CT's website.
Real ID Fee Beginning February 2026
Starting February 1st, 2026, the U.S. Transportation Security Administration (TSA) will begin charging a $45 fee for air travelers who arrive at airport security without a Real ID or another acceptable form of identification, such as a valid passport or trusted traveler card. Travelers will be charged this fee to use TSA's ConfirmID identification verification system. The verification is valid for a 10-day period, so it may cover a return trip within that window.
To avoid unnecessary costs and potential security delays, travelers without a Real ID are strongly encouraged to schedule an appointment at their local DMV to update their ID as soon as possible.
This Saturday, December 13th, Stamford PAL and iiMPACT-CT will hold a Community Food Distribution at Stamford Police PAL Center (245 Selleck St, Stamford, CT, 06902). The Community Food Distribution will start at 10 a.m. until items are gone and will operate on a first-come, first-served basis.
If you are interested in donating or volunteering at this event or with iiMPACT in the future, visit iimpactct.org.
Happy Hanukkah
Chag Sameach!
During this holiday season, I'm wishing all our neighbors, families, and friends who celebrate a very Happy Hanukkah. I hope the light of this holiday can also serve as a source of light in our world.
