Connecticut Health Foundation First Local Investor to Award Access Health CT $125,000 to Support the Health Insurance Navigator Program

HARTFORD, Conn., July 15 -- The Connecticut Health Foundation issued the following news release:

The Connecticut Health Foundation (CT Health) Board of Directors awarded Access Health CT (AHCT), the state's health insurance marketplace, a one-year $125,000 grant to support community based health insurance education and enrollment, with a focus on increasing coverage in communities of color. People of color represent 65% of the uninsured population in Connecticut, according to Thomson Reuters.

The Affordable Care Act offers a tremendous opportunity to help Connecticut residents who currently lack health insurance to purchase subsidized coverage or enroll in Medicaid through state marketplaces starting this October. Meeting the needs and preferences of individuals and families in the communities with the highest rates of uninsurance, however, will require trusted local resources to help people in need of eligibility and enrollment assistance. For Connecticut, the Navigator Program is federally-mandated, but relies entirely on local investment. The Connecticut Health Foundation is the Navigator Program's first local investor.

Kevin Counihan, chief executive officer of AHCT says, "I'd like to extend our sincere thanks to the Connecticut Health Foundation. We greatly appreciate their support and partnership in launching Access Health CT's critical Navigator outreach and assistance program, as well as helping to ensure we begin driving long term changes for our state's residents who need health insurance.

The Connecticut Office of the Healthcare Advocate (OHA) is working jointly with AHCT to implement the state's Navigator and Community Assistor Program.

AHCT and OHA will re-grant funds to community-based Navigator organizations that serve communities of color.

"This grant award will help us achieve our shared goal of ending health disparities in Connecticut through providing culturally and linguistically appropriate support to the uninsured and underinsured members of our community," says Vicki Veltri, state healthcare advocate, Connecticut OHA.

"CT Health values its partnership with Access Health CT, whose work aligns with our new strategic direction to expand health equity by helping more Connecticut residents gain access to better health care, especially in communities of color" says Patricia Baker, president & CEO of the Connecticut Health Foundation.

OTHER GRANTS AWARDED

Bridgeport Child Advocacy Coalition (Bridgeport) was awarded a one-year $25,000 grant to develop and implement a health reform educational outreach campaign in minority communities, with special emphasis on the Latino population, to expand health equity.

Connecticut Health Investigative Team (CT-HIT)(New Haven) was awarded a one-year $25,000 grant to raise awareness of health disparities and provide key information on health care programs that are available to state residents. CT-HIT produces original, responsible, in-depth journalism on issues of health and safety.

Connecticut Legal Services, Inc. (CLS) (Statewide), was awarded a one-year $250,000 grant to serve as fiscal sponsor in the establishment of a new, independent organization that will advance public policy solutions that promote and sustain health equity in Connecticut.

Immigrant & Refugee Integration Services (New Haven) was awarded a one-year $25,000 grant to implement health insurance enrollment and navigation supports that empower refugees to achieve medical self-sufficiency in the midst of major health insurance reforms.

New Haven Legal Assistance Association, Inc. (NHLAA) (Statewide) was awarded a one-year $100,000 general operating support grant. NHLAA is the fiscal sponsor for the Connecticut Legal Services Collaborative, composed of NHLAA, Greater Hartford Legal Aid, Connecticut Legal Services, and the Legal Assistance Resources Center of Connecticut. The collaborative members will share the grant to use the full toolkit of legal advocacy to expand access to quality affordable health care for low-income residents of Connecticut.

Rushford Foundation (Middletown) was awarded a one-year $25,000 grant to help implement a public education program, Youth Mental Health First Aid.

The program aims to train 200 residents of the Meriden, Wallingford and Middlesex County communities in identifying unique risk factors and warning signs of mental health problems in children and adolescents.

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