On July 1, children up to age 15, regardless of their immigration status or that of their parents, will be able to use the state subsidized Husky Healthcare program.
Previously, unrestricted access to the program for children could end at age 12 depending upon their immigration status. The state estimates that this expansion will provide additional coverage to thousands of children across Connecticut.
The move was hailed as a positive move by both advocates for immigrant rights and healthcare advocates, who noted that improving access to healthcare for any group can improve overall health outcomes for the broader community.
“For 53 years, we have been tirelessly advocating for access to Connecticut Medicaid. No one is healthy unless we are all healthy. I’m here to report that since January 1, 2023, at this health center l alone, we have enrolled over 500 Children,” said Dr. Sue Lagarde, head of Fair Haven Community Health Care, speaking at an event in New Haven to celebrate the expansion.
Governor Ned Lamont said “God doesn’t ask for your immigration status; He says we’re all His children. That’s why we’re standing here today with each and every one of you, doing what we can to continue to extend healthcare as a basic right to more and more citizens.”
