Kara Rochelle

Below is an update on the state's COVID-19/coronavirus response efforts including information about the Executive Order the governor issued, the new system that will speed up processing of unemployment claims, and an update on health insurance policies. 

Unemployment Information

The Connecticut Department of Labor upgraded its software to speed up the processing times for unemployment claim applications. The new software will allow DOL staff to process claims in one week or less, compared to the original 6-week wait period. 

Connecticut has received an unprecedented number of unemployment claims as a result of COVID-19. Since March 13, the DOL receive over 350,00 applications, nearly the same amount it receives over a 2-year period. 

Approximately 174,000 of those applications have been processed manually, and over $107 million in benefit payments have been provided. 

Anyone who has submitted an application for unemployment benefits should monitor their email (including junk and spam) for additional instructions from the DOL. To receive benefits even faster, claimants should use direct deposit to have the funds sent directly to their bank account. 

Additional federal stimulus benefits, including $600 in additional weekly payments will begin April 24. The additional funds will be included in Connecticut benefit payments the following week.

By April 30, the DOL expects to accept claim applications for Pandemic Unemployment Assistance - the federal unemployment benefits program for self-employed individuals and independent contractors.

These benefits will be retroactive to the date a person needed to apply.

Additional information about unemployment benefits in Connecticut is available in the DOL's Frequently Asked Questions page, which is updated daily. Click here to read it.

Today, April 16 at noon, there will be a legal services briefing on unemployment compensation, paid leave, and workplace safety. The briefing will be hosted by representatives from Greater Hartford Legal Aid, Connecticut Legal Services, and New Haven Legal Assistance Association. 

This call will cover information like how to apply for unemployment compensation, eligibility for federal paid sick leave, what to do if your workplace is unsafe, and other employment issues.

Dial-in at 978-990-5000. Access code is 219660#

RSVP and send questions in advance by emailing EmploymentBriefing@ghla.org. 

COVID-19 Update

There have been an additional 766 confirmed COVID-19 cases in Connecticut since Tuesday, bringing the state's total to 14,755. There have been 1,908 hospitalizations and 868 fatalities related to COVID-19. Click the image above to view a county-by-county breakdown of cases or additional data by age group. 

Yesterday the Governor signed Executive Order No. 7AA, which accomplishes the following:

• Permits temporary additional nursing home beds for COVID-19 recovery to support and protect nursing home residents by waiving the moratorium on Medicaid beds at certain long-term care facilities

Last weekend the Governor enacted the state's nursing home surge plan to establish COVID-19 recovery centers  to aid patients who no longer require acute hospital care, but have a need for medical support. 

You can read the full executive order here.

The state Department of Social Services has compiled an FAQ sheet for those who have questions about the state's nursing home surge plan. Click here to read it.

In addition to the executive order, Connecticut Insurance Commissioner Andrew N. Mais announced front-line health care workers in Connecticut and Massachusetts may be eligible to receive $25,000 of life insurance at no cost. All fully-insured health plan members will receive COVID-19 testing and treatment at no cost. Read more below.

To read all of the emergency orders issued by the Governor and state agencies click here. You can read all of the Governor's news updates here and watch the daily updates here.

Insurance Updates

No-Cost Life Insurance for Health Care Workers

Connecticut Insurance Commissioner Andrew N. Mais announced front-line health care workers in Connecticut and Massachusetts may be eligible to receive up to $25,000 of life insurance at no cost. The Connecticut Insurance Department has expedited approval of HealthBridge, a new Massachusetts Mutual Life Insurance Company (MassMutual) life insurance product that offers no-cost, guaranteed issue policies to front-line health care workers during the COVID-19 pandemic. 

The new coverage allows health care and other workers on the front lines to directly enroll for a no-premium payment 3-year life insurance policy with a $25,000 death benefit for issue ages 18-50. Workers with issue ages 51 to 60 will receive a no-cost $10,000 death benefit. 

Eligible individuals must be employed at a licensed hospital, urgent care center, or with an emergency medical services provider in Connecticut or Massachusetts and have exposure to COVID-19 patients. In addition to doctors and nurses, lab technicians, custodial staff, maintenance crews, cafeteria workers, and security personnel will also be considered for coverage. More details and enrollment information is available on MassMutual’s HealthBridge website.

Additional information is available here.

Fully-Insured Health Plan Members Can Receive COVID-19 Treatment With No-Out-Of-Pocket Costs

All fully-insured health plan members, including those with high-deductible health plans, can receive COVID-19 testing and treatment with no out-of-pocket costs. 

Employers sponsoring self-funded health plans are urged to waive testing and treatment costs as well.

Medicaid and the Children's Health Insurance Program, known as HUSKY Health, are also covering COVID-19 testing and treatment without cost-sharing. It is important to note there are some differences between commercial plans. Policyholders should contact their insurer or employer to obtain additional information. Click here to read more.

There's still time to enroll in health insurance through Access Health CT's special enrollment period!

Friday, April 17, 2020 is the LAST day to enroll in coverage.

Uninsured individuals can sign up for health insurance through Access Health CT during this time. Coverage will begin May 1. The only way to sign up for the new special enrollment period is by calling 855-365-2428.

Individuals who experience a qualifying life event (such as losing coverage due to a job change, moving to Connecticut, getting married, having/adopting a child, etc.) or qualify for Medicaid/Children’s Health Program (CHIP) can always enroll online, including in-person or over the phone and all help is free.
For more information on the special enrollment period, visit learn.accesshealthct.com.

Spotlighting Local Excellence

To thank other essential workers on the front lines of the coronavirus, first responders led a parade of vehicles to Griffin Hospital in Derby. 

Fire, police, and EMS vehicles gathered at Nolan Field in Ansonia and rode in a parade along Wakelee Ave., stopping briefly to greet health care workers. Read the CT Post's coverage here.