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Message from Richard Porth
President/CEO, United Way of Connecticut
There are about six weeks left in hurricane season and winter is fast approaching, making now the ideal time to create or review your storm emergency plan. Advance preparation is the best way to ensure that you and your family can weather any storm. A good starting point for your planning is the 2-1-1 eLibrary, which has preparation advice and tips for a variety of extreme weather situations, including:
However even the best plans cannot prepare you for everything, so when extreme weather strikes, 2-1-1 is here to help. During a weather emergency and the recovery period that follows, 2-1-1 can connect you to local shelters, provide information about road closures and evacuation routes, or even help you find gas stations and pharmacies that are open for business. Up-to-date information can be accessed on the 2-1-1 website at www.211ct.org or by dialing 2-1-1 from anywhere in the state.
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Government Shutdown Impact
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The effects of the federal government shutdown are being felt throughout Connecticut. In addition to the many state residents currently furloughed without pay from their federal government jobs, the ongoing shutdown casts a shadow of uncertainty that grows with each passing day. Contingency planning in anticipation of the shutdown has ensured that critical programs and benefits can remain in place for the short-term. For example, this month veterans will receive disability and pension checks, and the WIC program can continue providing food vouchers and nutritional education to 58,000 clients in Connecticut.
However, if the shutdown continues into November, the negative impact on state residents will be significantly more widespread. The shutdown situation and its impact changes from day-to-day, so if you have questions or need assistance, dial 2-1-1 from anywhere in the state to speak with a call specialist who will have the latest information and updates about affected services.
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Health Care Reform
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On October 1st, the state's health insurance exchange, Access Health CT,  began taking applications for health care coverage under the Affordable Care Act. The exchange is open to all legal residents of the state, and offers a variety of health care plans for individuals and families. Financial assistance is available to make coverage more affordable for qualified individuals and families. All of the available plans cover the basics, and no one is denied coverage or charged extra based on pre-existing conditions. For more information, visit the Access Health CT website at www.accesshealthct.com.
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| New Long-Term Care Resource Launched | |
Connecticut Dept. of Social Services created My Place CT to provide information about and access to long-term care, which includes health care and any services or supports that are needed over an extended time period.
The program complements Access Health CT, and one of its goals is to connect people to resources that will enable them to receive long-term care in their personal residence or other preferred setting. For more information, visit the My Place CT website at www.myplacect.org or dial 2-1-1 from anywhere in Connecticut at any time.
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