HUSKY 4 Immigrants Gears Up to Fight for Equitable Access to Healthcare for All

It is past time for Connecticut to cover all children with HUSKY healthcare regardless of immigration status says the Husky 4 Immigrants coalition. And they are organizing to win just that as part of the larger fight for equitable health care access in Connecticut, according to coalition manager Luis Luna.

Their first victory was won in 2021 when the state legislature voted to open HUSKY to children regardless of immigration status aged 8 and younger. The following year the age was raised to 12.

In 2023 the hope was to expand coverage to age 25, similar to the Affordable Care Act. Scores of testimonies were presented to show the need and community benefit.

Instead the legislature just raised the age to 15. As of July 1, 2024 children 15 and younger can enroll and keep coverage through age 19.

While this incremental progress was greeted, Husky 4 Immigrants underscored that it is unacceptable to leave any young people without health care.

“Increasing the age of HUSKY eligibility for immigrants from 12 to only 15 years old disregards the needs of our immigrant young people,” said Luna.

Implementation of HUSKY expansion went into effect January 2023. As of the end of August over 10.000 children have registered, showing that the need is urgent.

Husky 4 Immigrants has been busy since summer with assessments, outreach, and leadership development, including a first ever state-wide coalition retreat as part of developing a long term strategic plan to win HUSKY for everyone.

“Our goal is to be prepared for the 2024 Legislative Session,” said Luna

On December 9, Luna will be honored with the People's World Amistad Award for his “leadership and dedication for the rights of immigrants,” and “inspiring ordinary people to take collective action on their own behalf.”

Other 2023 awardees are State Sen. Gary Winfield and Stacie Harris Byrdsong, president of AFSCME Council 4.

Themed “It's an Enough is Enough Moment – Time to Organize” the event will be held Saturday, December 9 at 4 pm at the First and Summerfield United Methodist Church at 425 College St in New Haven. Spanish language interpretation will be available. Tickets and greeting book information are available here: Tickets and Information or email ct-pww@pobox.com