DeLauro, Harp Kick off Second Year of Access Health CT in New Haven

NEW HAVEN, CT—Congresswoman Rosa DeLauro (CT-3) and New Haven Mayor Toni N. Harp today hosted the New Haven kick off of Access Health CT (AHCT)’s second year. The 2014-2015 open enrollment period for all health care marketplaces runs through February 15. Access Health CT had one of the most successful inaugural years of any marketplace in the country, with the state’s uninsured rate cut nearly in half, from 7.9 percent to 4.0 percent. Over 280,000 people have enrolled in a health insurance plan or Medicaid through Access Health CT.

“One of the proudest votes I have ever cast was for the Affordable Care Act and I am delighted to see its reforms continue to be implemented across Connecticut, and the country,” DeLauro said. “Families now have more choices and access to quality, affordable health insurance plans than ever before. If you did not sign up for health insurance last year, please, go to accesshealthct.gov, take a look at your options and see what type of financial assistance is available. Make sure you and your family are covered.”

“Healthcare coverage is something I encourage all New Haven residents to consider – made so much easier now by the Affordable Care Act – because it not only helps residents stay prepared for medical emergencies, it promotes better overall health through preventative care and early diagnoses of problems,” Harp said. “Healthier residents, by definition, also place a reduced burden on our local healthcare delivery system, reducing the overall cost of healthcare in our city.”

This year, Access Health CT faces new challenges which require new approaches,” said Jason Madrak, AHCT Chief Marketing Officer. “We have a much smaller, more specific group to reach, so we’re employing a much more targeted outreach campaign. That includes partnering with the Connecticut Health Foundation to provide in-person assistance in communities where there are higher rates of uninsured residents.”

In addition to the New Haven and New Britain enrollment centers people can also visit one of the soon-to-be announced Community Enrollment Partners that will be located across the state. Community organizations will also have staff available to work one-on-one with people who want to sign up. In New Haven those organizations are: the Agency on Aging of South Central Connecticut, Christian Community Action, the Community Action Agency of New Haven and Pequeñas Ligas Hispanas de New Haven.

Nationally more than 12.8 million people gained health care coverage thanks to the Affordable Care Act. Approximately 140,000 people Connecticut residents still lack health insurance.


###