Our Community Health Workers (CHWs) play a vital role in helping patients
and their families access the services and resources they need to lead healthier lives. With a focus on compassion and support, our CHWs are dedicated advocates for the community.

The Role of Community Health Workers
Community Health Workers are trained professionals who provide social support and informal counseling while acting as advocates for patients. They are here to listen, guide, and assist you in navigating the healthcare system.

Our CHW's offer a wide range of services, including: 

• Community Outreach: Engaging with the community to raise awareness and provide resources. 
• Home Visits: Bringing support directly to your home, helping to identify health needs and screenings. 
• Health Insurance Enrollment Assistance: Helping you understand your options and enroll in health coverage programs. 
• Financial Assistance: Assisting those who qualify in accessing financial support for their healthcare needs. 
• Addressing Social Determinants of Health: Understanding the factors that affect your health, including housing, transportation, food insecurity, and financial stability. 
• Connecting to Local Resources: Partnering with local social service organizations to ensure you receive the help you need.

Understanding Social Determinants of Health
Social determinants of health (SDOH) are the conditions in which people live, learn, work, and play. These factors significantly influence your health and well-being, especially in our rural community. At CHWC, we recognize the importance of addressing these determinants to improve health outcomes for everyone. Here’s a closer look at some key social determinants that may affect you:

• Economic Stability: Your income, employment status, and overall financial security play a crucial role in accessing healthcare and maintaining good health. Financial stress can lead to challenges in affording necessary medical care or medications.
• Education Access and Quality: The level of education you receive can impact your health knowledge and awareness. Access to quality educational opportunities is essential for making informed health choices.
• Healthcare Access and Quality: Availability of healthcare services in your area is vital. This includes not only primary care but also access to specialists, mental health services, and preventive care.
• Neighborhood and Built Environment: The safety and quality of your living environment, including housing conditions, influence your health. Affordable housing is essential for stability, while safe neighborhoods promote physical activity and community engagement.
• Food Insecurity: Access to nutritious food is critical for maintaining health. Food insecurity can lead to poor nutrition, which can exacerbate existing health conditions and lead to new ones.
• Transportation: Reliable transportation is necessary for accessing healthcare services. In rural areas, long distances to medical providers can create barriers to care, especially for those without personal vehicles.
• Language Barriers: Effective communication is key to receiving quality care. Language barriers can hinder access to services, making it difficult for individuals to seek help or understand their health needs.

By addressing these social determinants, CHWC aims to support our community in achieving better health outcomes. Our Community Health Workers are here to help you navigate these challenges and connect you with the resources you need.

Referrals for Social Services Agencies
If you are a social services agency or organization referring individuals to our services, we welcome your partnership! Our Community Health Workers are here to collaborate with you to ensure that your clients receive the comprehensive support they need. Together, we can work towards fostering healthier communities.

How to Connect with a Community Health Worker
If you or someone you know needs assistance, please don’t hesitate to reach out. You can speak with a Community Health Worker today by calling 860-489-0931 or emailing [email protected]. We are here to help you navigate your health journey and connect you with the resources that will make a difference in your life.

Financial Assistance
For information on financial aid, including how to apply, please contact our Insurance Verification Specialist, Sarah Carr, at 860-489-0931 x1104. To apply for financial aid, you can also download and complete the appropriate application forms:

• Application for Financial Aid – English (PDF)
• Application for Financial Aid – Spanish (PDF)​

---

Husky Applicants
​All new patients or established patients who are uninsured can determine whether or not they may be eligible for any of the HUSKY programs administered by the state. You will have to provide documented household income for the eligibility process.

HUSKY (Medicaid) and Qualified Health Plan Outreach
HUSKY and Qualified Health Plans are two forms of health coverage.  HUSKY is the state’s public health coverage program.  It provides coverage for individuals who qualify based on factors like income and household composition.  There are three types of HUSKY: A, B, C, and D.  Individuals can apply for A, B, and D through the state run marketplace called Access Health CT.  Qualified Health Plans are private health insurance plans also available on Access Health CT.

Who can apply?
Anyone can apply for healthcare coverage through Access Health CT.  Based on factors like income and household composition, the computer system will evaluate what an individual qualifies for.  The computer system will also determine if an individual qualifies for any subsidies that will help make paying for health coverage more affordable.

Who is eligible? 
To be eligible for HUSKY, individuals typically must have lived legally in the country for five years.  Some exceptions exist. For example, exemptions that give eligibility to children and pregnant women.  To be eligible for a Qualified Health Plan, individuals must be legally present in the country and must plan to stay for the duration of the plan year.​

How to navigate your options
With the implementation of the Affordable Care Act, many people know that it is required by law to have healthcare coverage. However, many people are not familiar with how to get healthcare coverage if they do not already have it. Access Health CT is the gateway to either HUSKY or Qualified Health Plans (QHPs). Please contact Access Health CT directly for assistance. 

For additional information on CHW financial assistance programs, please contact our Insurance Verification Specialist, Sarah Carr 860-489-0931 x1104 or email her at [email protected].