The new law, which entitles all children, regardless of their immigration status, to federally subsidized health insurance, went into effect on July 1. To celebrate this expansion of the Husky program in Connecticut, New Haven community members and state and city leaders gathered at Fair Haven Community Health Care.

This extension makes children 15 and younger fully eligible for Medicaid coverage (compared to the previous age limit of 12), making health care more accessible to thousands of previously uninsured children.

Supporters praise the move as an important step toward making health care a basic right for more citizens, but recognize the need for further progress.

Dr. Sue Lagarde, director of Fair Haven Community Health Care, emphasized the importance of health care as a human right.

“For 53 years, we have been tirelessly advocating for access to Connecticut Medicaid. No one is healthy unless we are all healthy. I would like to report that since January 1, 2023, we have enrolled over 500 children in this health center alone.”

The health center in Fair Haven, one of New Haven's poorest neighborhoods, serves everyone, including low-income families and patients without health insurance.

Mayor Justin Elicker said the state's job is to ensure that all residents, regardless of their background or insurance status, receive the care they need.

“We welcome everyone, no matter where they come from,” Elicker said. “It's about our values ​​as a community, but more importantly it's about supporting children who have often had traumatic experiences to make sure they have all the health resources to thrive.”

Personal stories underscored the importance of this expansion. Nancy Aucapina, an immigrant and patient in Fair Haven, expressed relief that her teenage daughter now has access to essential health services through the Husky program.

Ryan Caron King

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Connecticut Public Administration

“My daughter is 13 years old and benefits from this program,” said Alcabina. “If she needs to go to the emergency room for any reason, she will receive all the medical care and I know she is in good hands.”

Luis Luna, an attorney and manager of the HUSKY 4 Immigrants Coalition, is an immigrant from Ecuador who came to the United States at age 13. Luna emphasized the need for comprehensive health insurance, especially for the undocumented.

He said health insurance for undocumented youth and children was a step in the right direction, but the new law could go further and include older youth and adults.

“We have an opportunity to legislate and make sure everyone is eligible for Medicaid by setting the eligibility rules and income requirements,” Luna said. “Let's keep moving forward, think strategically, and make sure everyone in our community and our state gets the health care they need.”

Supporters said the next goal would be to extend insurance coverage to age 18.

Ryan Caron King

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Connecticut Public Administration

Governor Lamont said Connecticut continues to play a leadership role in protecting the health of children and mothers, regardless of their immigration status.

“God doesn't ask about your immigration status. He says we are all his children,” Lamont said. “That's why we stand here today with each and every one of you, doing what we can to continue to expand health care as a basic right for more and more citizens.”