Connecticut has significantly reduced the number of state residents without health insurance in the past decade, but approximately 175,000 people remain without coverage. Among those most likely to lack coverage are undocumented residents, most of whom are ineligible for Medicaid – known as HUSKY in Connecticut – or to buy coverage through the state’s health insurance exchange.
The Center for Children’s Advocacy is part of a coalition of advocacy organizations that has been working in recent years toward policy changes to assure that all immigrants have access to coverage. Following their earlier advocacy efforts, Connecticut opened access to HUSKY to all children under 13, regardless of immigration status, beginning this year. Starting July 1, 2024, the age limit will rise to 15. Coverage is also available to undocumented residents who are pregnant and postpartum, if they meet income guidelines.
With this grant, the Center for Children’s Advocacy will advocate for expanding HUSKY to all undocumented children and youth, with work that includes data analysis meant to address fiscal concerns about the potential cost of coverage expansion. In addition, the organization will monitor the enrollment process for newly eligible children and advocate for effective processes and ensuring that any barriers that emerge are addressed. The organization will also partner with immigrants’ rights organizations and medical providers to help support young people and their parents in their advocacy efforts.
Other Grants: