New Gym Open & Calling Out Medicare Advantage Plans

November 8, 2024


I am deeply grateful to serve as your state representative for another term. I look forward to receiving your feedback, bringing your concerns to the Capitol, and continuing to advocate for our community.

A new gym is open for business in our vibrant community. Please read below to learn about 4 Keys CrossFit in South Windham. 

Many people in Connecticut and across the country are enrolling in Medicare Advantage plans and experiencing all kinds of hardship. I'll break down why these plans can pose serious problems.
   
November is Puerto Rican Heritage Month and a time to celebrate with our Boricua neighbors. Keep scrolling to learn more about this awesome observance.

Here are the sections in today's email:

  • New Gym Opens in South Windham!
  • Calling Out Medicare Advantage Plans
  • Celebrating Puerto Rican Heritage Month
 
New Gym Opens in South Windham!
We came out to celebrate the grand opening of 4 Keys CrossFit in South Windham! We cut the ribbon and cheered as this new gym welcomed customers at its facility at 661 Windham Road. The energy was electric, with fitness enthusiasts eager to explore the state-of-the-art equipment.
4 Keys CrossFit wants to help your fitness journey by unlocking your potential and giving you the keys to accomplish your goals. The facility offers top-of-the-line gear and knowledgeable personal trainers. 4 Keys CrossFit promises to provide everything you need to take your workouts to the next level!
Congratulations on the grand opening and best of luck!
 
Calling Out Medicare Advantage Plans
I would like to raise awareness about the inhumane and often exploitative practices used by insurance companies in relation to Medicare Advantage plans. They have replaced traditional Medicare in many parts of the country including Connecticut, and it’s a growing concern for seniors and vulnerable populations who rely on their plans for healthcare. While Medicare Advantage plans are marketed as a convenient alternative to traditional Medicare, they come with a host of serious problems that not only jeopardize patient care but also waste taxpayer dollars.

Medicare Advantage plans are more likely to impose prior authorization requirements, meaning that patients must receive approval from the insurance company before they can access necessary medical services, even when those services are covered under Medicare. This creates unnecessary delays in care, leads to patients being denied timely treatments, and adds stress to an already overwhelmed healthcare system. Insurance companies use these requirements as a cost-cutting measure, prioritizing their bottom line over the well-being of patients.

Medicare Advantage plans often operate with smaller networks of healthcare providers, meaning that beneficiaries may have fewer doctors, specialists, and hospitals to choose from. This limitation can be particularly problematic for people with complex medical needs, as they may be forced to switch doctors or travel farther to receive care.

Despite these limitations, Medicare Advantage plans can cost more than traditional Medicare. Many plans require higher copayments, and out-of-pocket expenses, which can place an undue financial burden on seniors—especially those on fixed incomes. The additional costs and restrictions may not provide the value they seem to promise.

We must raise awareness about the true cost of these plans and ensure that people are fully informed about the potential risks and limitations. It is crucial that we hold private insurance companies accountable for the hazardous and inefficient system they have created. I’m working with my colleagues to ensure that seniors and all Medicare recipients have access to the care they need without the interference of for-profit insurance companies.

 
Celebrating Puerto Rican Heritage Month
November is Puerto Rican Heritage Month, a time to celebrate and honor the rich cultural contributions, history, and traditions of Puerto Ricans in the state and across the United States. This observance provides an opportunity to reflect on the achievements and ongoing impact of the Puerto Rican community, both locally and nationally.
Windham has a significant Puerto Rican population, with many families having deep roots across the state. Over the decades, Puerto Ricans have become an integral part of Connecticut’s diverse fabric, contributing to the state’s economy, culture, and identity. From the arts and music to education, politics, and business, Puerto Ricans have played an essential role in shaping the state’s development and continuing growth.

As we celebrate Puerto Rican Heritage Month, we pay tribute to the past, honor the present, and look toward a future where Puerto Rican culture continues to thrive for generations to come.