Fiscal agent: United We Dream Network
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.
CT Students for a Dream 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, CT Students for a Dream will conduct organizing work in Danbury, New Haven, and New Britain, with a focus on immigrants and youth of color. The organizing and training will include skills such as sharing their stories about access to health care and other aspects of advocacy. In addition, the organization plans to develop a curriculum for building members’ understanding and analysis of the state’s health care system.
Other Grants: