Health Care
Our goal needs to be making quality health care more accessible and more affordable for every American. The Affordable Care Act (ACA) isn’t perfect, but it is a significant step in the right direction. Many of its reforms are making a tremendous difference for people across Connecticut, and we can be proud that our state is leading the way in successfully and responsibly implementing the Affordable Care Act - with Connecticut being the first state to exceed the enrollment expectations set by the Congressional Budget Office.
Because of the Affordable Care Act, over 47,500 Connecticut residents have already received $3.4 billion in rebates from insurance companies due to the ACA requirement that insurance companies spend at least 80% of premiums each year on actual medical expenses for patients or provide a refund to beneficiaries.
Connecticut residents and businesses owners now have new health insurance options and can shop for plans in our state’s health insurance marketplace. The Open Enrollment period for 2015 coverage begins on November 15, 2014 and ends on February, 15 2015. You can compare plans and shop for coverage online at www.accesshealthct.com or call 1‐855‐805-HEALTH (4325) to speak with an AHCT representative. Learn more here.
While I believe we can and should enact adjustments and improvements to the Affordable Care Act, repeal is not a solution. I’ve consistently opposed bills that would fully repeal the Affordable Care Act or block implementation.
I am committed to the successful implementation of the Affordable Care Act. Whether you're seeking more information about the Affordable Care Act, comparing and shopping for new health care plans through Access Health CT, or have questions about your new coverage, my office is here to serve as a resource.
Please feel free to contact our office for assistance with any questions or problems you may have. Visit our health care reform resources page by clicking here.
More on Health Care
NEW BRITAIN, CT – Today, Rep. Elizabeth Esty (CT-5) released the following statement on the launch of Access Health CT’s open enrollment for 2015, which begins tomorrow. Access Health CT, Connecticut’s health insurance marketplace, was established by the Affordable Care Act. Connecticut residents can shop for health insurance coverage for 2015 from November 15, 2014, to February 15, 2015.
MERIDEN, CT – Today, Rep. Elizabeth Esty (CT-5) released the following statement congratulating Protein Sciences on the expanded label approval of the Flublok vaccine for adults 50 years and older.
NEW BRITAIN, CT – Today, Rep. Elizabeth Esty (CT-5) released the following statement on the preliminary negative test results on the patient with Ebola-like symptoms in Connecticut:
WASHINGTON, DC – Today, on the eve of National Breast Cancer Awareness Month, Rep. Elizabeth Esty (CT-5) announced that she led a letter signed by 19 members of Congress urging the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) to establish a specific Medicare payment code for 3D mammography.
MERIDEN, CT – Today, Rep. Elizabeth Esty (CT-5) announced that Protein Sciences in Meriden received a $669,156 grant from the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS). The funding is from the National Cancer Institute through the Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) program and will be used to support lung cancer treatment.
TORRINGTON, CT – Today, U.S. Senators Richard Blumenthal (D-Conn.) and Chris Murphy (D-Conn) and U.S. Representative Elizabeth Esty (D-Conn.) announced that the Community Health & Wellness Center in Torrington received two grants totaling over $244,000 from the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS). The Community Health & Wellness Center received $205,654 to expand facilities and $38,647 to support their HIV intervention program.
WASHINGTON, DC – Today, Rep. Elizabeth Esty (CT-5) introduced the Child Nicotine Poisoning Prevention Act of 2014 to require child safety packaging for liquid nicotine containers.
WASHINGTON, DC – Today, Rep. Elizabeth Esty announced the introduction of the Expanding Opportunities for Recovery Act, H.R. 5339. The bill will eliminate some of the barriers to accessing in-patient rehabilitation treatment for opioid abuse. Deaths caused by opioid abuse, particularly from heroin, have risen significantly in Connecticut over the last year.
U.S. Rep. Elizabeth Esty, D-5, co-introduced a bill Friday which aims to increase care options for those suffering from heroin addiction and opioid abuse.
The bill would expand the availability of inpatient care for substance abuse treatment for insured individuals.
The move is the congresswoman’s latest effort to combat her state’s—and the nation’s—growing concerns over the rise of opioid abuse and accidental deaths from heroin use.