Yesterday my husband and son trekked up Mount Mansfield. I knew that I did not have the stamina nor grit to make what I knew would be an icy climb so stayed home –saddened to miss the experience with them. Thanks to technology I was able to share in the joy my son experienced upon reaching the top – the pure bliss he shared filled my heart. It’s small moments like this that keep me moving forward in these unsettled times. I hope everyone can find their own small moments throughout the holiday season.
As always please reach out to myself or Rep. Dolan on any issues. Rep. Lori Houghton (lhoughton@leg.state.vt.us) or Rep. Karen Dolan (kndolan@leg.state.vt.us). VERMONT HEALTH CONNECT OPEN ENROLLMENT – FINANCIAL HELP AVAILABLE! Have you heard of the American Rescue Plan Act of 2021? This new law gives more financial help to people who buy their own health insurance. To get financial help, they must sign up through their state's health insurance marketplace. If you buy direct from a carrier you will need to move to Vermont Health Connect to receive the assistance. The carriers are available to assist with this move. Vermonters in single plans may now qualify for tax credits with incomes up to $105,771 in 2022. Vermonters in family plans may qualify with incomes up to $297,216 in 2022. From November 1 - December 15, 2021, Vermonters can sign up for health and dental insurance that begins January 1, 2022. This year, an extension will also allow Vermonters to sign up between December 16, 2021 - January 15, 2022 for insurance that begins Feb 1, 2022. For more information visit the link below or call 1-855-899-9600 https://portal.healthconnect.vermont.gov/VTHBELand/welcome.action HEALTH ASSISTANCE PROGRAM AT UVM HEALTH NETWORK The University of Vermont Health Network has developed strong financial assistance policies, providing free and reduced cost care for thousands of patients who are un- and under-insured each year. Recognizing these policies do not cover outpatient prescription drug costs, the Network has come together to launch an additional benefit, the Health Assistance Program, that provides patients who are low- and middle-income prescription medications at no cost, even if they have insurance. Patients can also get assistance with eyeglasses, medical equipment, support in enrolling in state and federal programs, and advocacy and support with obtaining other health care resources. To find out more call 888-739-5183 or visit https://www.uvmhealth.org/health-wellness/health-assistance-program VERMONT NATIONAL GUARD ENCOURAGES BURN PIT REGISTRATION The Vermont National Guard seeks to increase participation in the VA Airborne Hazards and Open Air Burn Pit Registry. Any veteran who qualifies should contact the Vermont National Guard Veteran Outreach Specialist within their respective county by calling 888-607-8773. ‘“Burn-pits” are open air burn sites, most in Southwest Asia, where all manner of trash is incinerated on both large and small military bases,” said Maj. Gen. Greg Knight, Vermont adjutant general. “In an effort to increase awareness about the possible risks associated with burn pits, we worked closely with the Vermont Legislature to pass a bill that requires medical providers to educate patients on the risks, as well as to increase participation in the burn pit registry located on the VA website.” Veterans and Service members who have deployed to the Southwest Asia theater of operations on or after August 2, 1990 as well as those who have deployed to Afghanistan or Djibouti after September 2001 qualify to register. LEGISLATIVE STUDY COMMITTEE/TASK FORCE ON YOUTUBE If you are interested in following any of the off-session legislative committee meetings, you can easily do so through the link below. Remember that because we end the livestream during breaks and start a new one, most meetings have multiple videos to them. These are indicated with a “-01, -02, -03” at the end of the file name. https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCQXkUCDAVlCkzSdNeipFDkA/playlists Be Well, Lori
0 Comments
Leave a Reply. |