Access Health CT Enrollment Deadline Extended for Coverage Starting Jan. 1

December 17, 2021


 
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Dear Friends and Neighbors,

Last Friday, our state welcomed its newest class of certified firefighters. Connecticut Fire Academy Recruit Class #68 started their intensive firefighter training on August 30, 2021 and graduated on December 10. During the 15-week period, the 67 recruits learned about all aspect of firefighting, hazardous materials, technical rescue, and other fire and emergency service-related subjects. Graduates are not all state and nationally certified to the levels of Firefighter I & II, Hazardous Materials Awareness and Operations. 

Congratulations to Torrington's recruits:

  • Gage T. Abraham
  • Nolan R. Dolecki
  • Geoffrey R. Houser
  • Michael P. Scanlon
  • Stephanie J. Scoville (Torrington's SECOND female firefighter)
 
ACCESS HEALTH CT EXTENDS ENROLLMENT DEADLINE FOR COVERAGE STARTING JAN 1
Connecticut residents have more time to enroll in a health insurance plan through Access Health CT for coverage starting with the new year! Residents who enroll between December 16 and December 31 can choose between coverage starting on January 1, 2022 or February 1, 2022. Those who enroll between January 1, 2022 and January 15, 2022 will have coverage starting on February 1, 2022. 

Starting this year, Connecticut residents who meet specific eligibility requirements may be able to pay $0 for their health insurance coverage through Access Health CT. This is thanks to the state’s new Covered Connecticut Program. If you qualify, the state will pay your portion of your monthly premium directly to your insurance company and will also pay for certain cost-sharing amounts, such as deductibles, co-pays, co-insurance and maximum out-of-pocket costs. To learn more about the Covered Connecticut Program, including eligibility requirements click here.

Connecticut residents can get free help with enrollment through the following:

  • In-person: There are in-person enrollment locations and events taking place across Connecticut. Find more information at accesshealthct.com/enrollment-events/.
  • Online: Visit accesshealthct.com. You can learn more about the different plans and find free help online using the "live chat" feature.
  • By phone: Call 1-855-805-4325. Help is available Monday - Friday, 8:00 am- 5:00 pm. Customers who are deaf or hearing impaired may use TTY at 1- 855-789-2428 or call with a relay operator.
  • Work with a Broker: To find a Certified Broker or Enrollment Specialist, visit accesshealthct.com/get-help/

If you or your family need quality, affordable healthcare please don't miss this opportunity. Learn more at accesshealthct.com.
 
COVID-19 TESTING
As COVID-19 rates in our community increase, getting tested for COVID-19 when you are feeling sick can reduce community spread. There are several test sites in our community:
  • AFC Urgent Care COVID-19 Testing Site, 1171 East Main St, Torrington: Monday - Friday, 8 a.m. to 8 p.m.; Saturday - Sunday, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Schedule an appointment here or call 860-264-4176.
  • Hartford HealthCare GoHealth Urgent Care COVID-19 Rapid Testing Site, 996 East Main St, Torrington: Monday - Friday, 8 a.m. to 8 p.m.; Saturday - Sunday, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Schedule an appointment here or call 860-866-5809.
  • Walgreens COVID-19 Rapid Testing Site, 28 East Elm St, Torrington: Monday - Sunday, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Schedule an appointment here.
  • Quest Diagnostics COVID-19 Testing Sites, 1933 East Main St, Torrington: Monday - Friday, 7 a.m. to 4 p.m.; Saturday, 8 a.m. to 12 p.m. Find more locations and schedule an appointment here.

For additional locations, call 2-1-1 or visit 211ct.org. 

If you have not yet been vaccinated against COVID-19 or want to schedule a booster shot, visit the Torrington Health District website here, to find a vaccination site.

If you have questions about the vaccine, options available for vaccination, need help getting to and from your appointment, or something else, visit the CT COVID-19 Vaccine Portal here. 
 
NEW EXECUTIVE ORDER SIGNED
The urgency of doing everything we can to protect our fragile environment is profound. We are seeing climate change's devastating effects all across our state, nation, and world, so we owe it to ourselves and future generations to take meaningful action now.

That is why Connecticut, under a new executive order, is taking 23 specific steps to reduce our carbon footprint, protect our natural resources, and increase our reliance on affordable clean energy in ways which promote equity, justice, and health. 

While Connecticut is seen as a national leader in enacting climate change and environmental protection legislation, these new actions will only further solidify our state's resolve to do our part in addressing this urgent crisis. 

Click the button below to read a summary of the climate change actions to be implemented in the new executive order.
Read the EO Summary Here
 
CT OEC ANNOUNCES SPARKLER LEARNING TOOL
Play is a crucial driver of a child's development and can support learning. The Connecticut Office of Early Childhood is letting parents know the Sparkler app can help parents support their child's development through play-based learning activities and answer questions they may have about developmental milestones. Sparkler has a library of more than 1,500 activities to spark learning during playtime! Early childhood educators created each activity to help children learn and grow in their early years. The app is free for Connecticut families. Click the button below to register and use code CT. 
Register for Sparkler Here
 
COMMUNITY EVENTS
If you haven't visited Christmas Village in Torrington yet, it's open until Christmas Eve! Hours are Monday through Friday from 1 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. and Saturday and Sunday from 12 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. On Christmas Eve, it will be open from 9 a.m. to 12 p.m. 

A holiday tradition for the past 74 years, this is a great way for you and your family to get into the holiday spirit (and for your kids to let Santa know what they want this Christmas). 

This year, you can make a donation to Christmas Village online through the Torrington Parks & Recreation web page, here.
 
The Torrington Library is holding a Pop-Up Book sale this Saturday, December 18 from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Patrons will be able to buy a bag for $5 and fill it with books. 
If you want to avoid the last-minute rush to wrap gifts, or pay for gift wrapping, stop by the Torrington Library on December 23 from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m. to wrap your gifts! There will be holiday music playing, coffee, hot chocolate, Christmas cookies, and a large supply of wrapping materials! The library encourages individuals to bring friends and have a “gift wrapping party” at the library! Click here to learn more and pre-register.
 
Bikers Against Animal Cruelty, Inc. is holding its annual fundraiser - Pet Pics with Biker Santa on Saturday, December 18 from 2 p.m. to 4 p.m. at Bad Dog Brewing Company in Torrington! Instant color prints will be $10 each. The organization is also asking attendees to consider donating pet food, supplies, pet toys, and more. 
 

As always, if I can be of assistance to you and your family, please don't hesitate to reach out to me at the Capitol at 860-240-8585 or email me at Michelle.Cook@cga.ct.gov. Don't forget to like my Facebook page for news and legislative updates!

Sincerely,

Michelle Cook
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