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Dear Friend,
It’s been a busy week in eastern Connecticut to start the new year. I’m here with an update on my work to expand health care benefits for servicemembers, new support available for homeowners fixing crumbling foundations, and more. Thanks for starting your weekend here with me.
Legislation to Honor a Fallen Eastern Connecticut Servicemember Signed into Law
On December 22nd, my bill to create parity in TRICARE health benefits for families of fallen guard members and military reservists was signed into law as part of the FY24 National Defense Authorization Act. The Sergeant First Class Michael Clark TRICARE Reserve Parity Act is named for an U.S. Army Reserve servicemember from Bolton who was tragically killed during a training mission in July 2022.
In the weeks following, Sgt. Clarks’ wife of 20-years was notified by the Army Reserves that the family’s existing TRICARE health care benefits would soon be terminated due to his status as a reservist on duty for less than 30 days. Rachel Clark contacted my office to alert us, and my veterans casework specialist Manny Meneses (USN, Ret.) worked with her to change this totally arbitrary rule that ignored the risks reservists encounter fulfilling their duty. On Tuesday, community members gathered at the Bolton Fire Station to mark the bill’s enactment and honor the memory of Sgt. Clark and his distinguished 22 years of military service.
Now that the bill has become law, the window for families of fallen guard members and military reservists to continue to receive TRICARE benefits has been extended from six months to three years – equal to coverage for active duty servicemembers. Thank you to Rachel Clark for leading the fight to make this change and right a wrong for other families.
New Program Provides Direct Financial Assistance to Homeowners with Crumbling Foundations
I want to share a reminder that thanks to federal Community Project funding I secured, the Capital Region Council of Governments (CRCOG) has launched the Gap Foundation Remediation program, a new program to provide direct assistance to eligible homeowners fixing crumbling foundations due to the presence of pyrrhotite – closing a gap in available assistance.
On Wednesday, I joined CRCOG and others in Coventry at the home of Kristen and Anne Kane. When the their home underwent repairs for crumbling concrete foundations, Kristen and Anne were left with significant out-of-pocket costs, not covered by insurance through the Connecticut Foundation Solutions Indemnity Company (CFSIC). Through this new program, federal funding will help eligible homeowners cover repair costs that fall outside of CFSIC contracts. CRCOG is currently accepting applications for assistance. Click here to learn more.
The crumbling foundations crisis has been a nightmare for our communities, and since July 2015 my office has worked to bring solutions and relief to affected homeowners. With the Community Project I secured for CRCOG and in partnership from CFSIC, this new program is the first time homeowners can receive direct federal assistance to help cover the costs of repairs. Thank you to Kristen and Anne Kane and CFSIC Director Mike Maglaras for their forceful participation at this week’s announcement.
Homeowners interested in learning if their foundation contains pyrrhotite, the mineral that causes the degradation of concrete foundations, can contact the University of Connecticut. Thanks to federal Community Project funding I secured, homeowners can access pyrrhotite testing at no cost. You can click here to learn more about the program and apply for testing at your home.
Visiting Danielson Veterans’ Volunteer Foodshare
Yesterday, I stopped by the Danielson Veterans Coffeehouse’s Foodshare. On the first Thursday of every month, dozens of veterans volunteer to distribute food donations, from the Department of Agriculture and CT Foodshare, to area residents – veteran and non-veteran. The drive thru line at the Putnam Farmers Market started moving at 9:00AM – cars began lining up at 6:30AM.
The Veterans Coffeehouse first began the food distribution to serve veterans, but since the pandemic, they have provided boxes of food to anyone in need. Coffeehouse Vice President Bruce Hay (USN, Ret.) and President Fred Ruhleman (USN, Ret.) have spearheaded this amazing effort and kept it going for years through the volunteerism of Coffeehouse members.
The Coffeehouse's operation has received support through the Department of Agriculture's (USDA) Farmers to Families Food Boxes program and will need more to expand. In the new year, providing funding to USDA foodshare programs must be a top priority for Congress.
Small Business Highlight: Bears Golf in Danielson
Also yesterday, I met with entrepreneurs who have invested in Danielson’s downtown area and are committed to giving back to the community through their small business.
In 2020, husband and wife Jerre Fillmore and Robin Dreary Fillmore opened Bears Virtual Golf in a historic building at 31 Commerce Avenue. Jerre, a Danielson resident for over 50 years, had a lifelong dream of owning a small business. Just a few years after opening, Bears Virtual Golf is attracting visitors from across the area to downtown Danielson as the only local shop and venue of its kind.
A large section of the building is also home to Robin’s gymnasium, Dreary Gymnastics, which has provided students with a space for recreation and lessons for 20 years. Joined by virtual golf lessons and practice for young players, Robin and Jerre are providing local families with space for sports and recreation – particularly during the winter months.
Jerre and Robin’s commitment to giving back to Danielson extends further. Ahead of the past two holiday seasons, the business has held a fundraiser for donations to the Friends of Assisi Food Pantry in Danielson. This past November, Jerre and Robin raised $3,500 for the pantry.
Thank you to Jerre and Robin for updating me on their business. With a growing workforce and federal support from Small Business Administration programs, eastern Connecticut continues to be an excellent place to open a small business.
Now in Effect: A Cap on Annual Out-of-Pocket Costs for Medicare Beneficiaries & Expanded Insulin Savings
This week, I visited senior centers in Coventry and Colchester to provide an update on my continued work to lower prescription drug costs. Starting on January 1st, the Inflation Reduction, which Congress passed in 2022, has eliminated the 5% beneficiary coinsurance requirement above the catastrophic coverage threshold. That effectively caps annual out-of-pocket drug costs at $3,300/year for beneficiaries. Next year, annual out-of-pocket costs will be capped at $2,000/year.
More good news at the start of the year. One of the most impactful actions we took in Inflation Reduction Act is capping the cost of insulin at $35/month for Medicare beneficiaries. In bringing these savings to seniors, Congress put the pressure on private pharmaceutical companies to do the same for working age Americans. As of January 1st, all three major insulin producers have followed suit. Congress acted and now millions of Americans can receive insulin at no more than $35/month.
Thank you for taking some time to read my update. If we can be of any assistance, don't hesitate to give my Norwich office a call at (860) 886-0139. Have a great weekend!
Sincerely,
Joe Courtney
Member of Congress
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