Community Partner Newsletter Volume 5

HUSKY Health Community Partner Newsletter

Volume 5

Table of Contents: Important HUSKY Health Member Information��1 Community Health Workers Needed��2 New State HUSKY A and B for Immigrant Children Health Coverage��2 New Prenatal Coverage and Extended Postpartum Coverage��3 Summer Programs��4 Summer Food Service Program��4 COVID-19 Updates��4 Smoking Cessation��5 Stroke Awareness Month��5 Fat Attack ™ – Building Muscle & Strengthening Bones��6 Cooking Matters ® �� 7

IMPORTANT INFORMATION FOR HUSKY HEALTH MEMBERS! HUSKY Health Members Must Renew Their Medicaid to Keep Their Coverage After three years of not requiring members to renew their Medicaid coverage, the regular renewal process for Medicaid redeterminations is back in effect as of April 1, 2023. We are asking our partners to make sure HUSKY Health members are aware. HUSKY Health members who don’t return their renewal information will lose coverage. It is important to share this information with members because more than 64% of Medicaid enrollees are unaware and won’t realize they lost coverage until they go to use it at a pharmacy or medical appointment. Also, some people whose income has gone up may no longer be eligible and will need to know this information so they can research other insurance options.

HUSKY A, B, and D Members: Please call Access Health at 855.805.4325 or go online to www.accesshealthct.com HUSKY C Members: Please return renewal form by mail with proof of any changes being reported or go online to mydss.ct.gov/dmg

HUSKY Health Community Partner Newsletter Page 1 Community Health Network of Connecticut, Inc. ® (CHNCT) is the State of Connecticut’s Medical Administrative Services Organization for the HUSKY Health program.

Community Health Workers Needed CHNCT is looking for full-time, bilingual (Spanish or Portuguese) Community Health Workers who live in any of the following cities: Bridgeport, Danbury, Hartford, Windham, and the Norwalk/ Stamford region. This entry- level position is responsible for connecting HUSKY Health members to providers, and providing social support, community-based outreach, health promotion, and referrals to services. For more information and to apply, please visit our Career Center at www.chnct.org/careers.html.

New State HUSKY A and B for Immigrant Children Health Coverage

Who is eligible? Undocumented children ages 0-12 years old who have no legal immigration status, who are not citizens or qualified non-citizens, and whose household income doesn’t exceed 323% of the Federal Poverty Level (FPL)

How do I apply? To apply, please call Access Health CT at 1.855.805.4325 . If you are deaf or hearing impaired, you may use TTY at 1.855.789.2428 or call with a relay operator. What do I need to apply? Proof of income and proof of identity Examples: • Letter from an employer (employer statement)

Does this affect my immigration status? No. Enrollment in State HUSKY A or State HUSKY B will not affect an individual’s application for citizenship. How long does the coverage last? Coverage is available through the age of 18, if the child is enrolled in HUSKY before the age of 13. For more information, please click here.

• Clinic, doctor, hospital, or school record • Notarized affidavit of identity by parent

HUSKY Health Community Partner Newsletter Page 2 Community Health Network of Connecticut, Inc. ® (CHNCT) is the State of Connecticut’s Medical Administrative Services Organization for the HUSKY Health program.

New Prenatal Coverage and Extended Postpartum Coverage:

HUSKY B prenatal care coverage program for unborn children of non-citizen pregnant individuals

Overview: HUSKY B Prenatal Care (the CHIP “Unborn Child” option) for pregnant individuals and their unborn children provides the full range of HUSKY B benefits plus pregnancy-related care, including prenatal vitamins, ultrasounds and other tests, doctors’ visits, maternity care, preventive care, hospital stays and more.

Extension of Postpartum Coverage for Eligible HUSKY Health Members Did you know that members who have HUSKY A and B now have their postpartum coverage extended from two months to 12 months? To be eligible, you must have had a pregnancy ending on or after April 1, 2022, or still be within your 12-month postpartum period if your pregnancy ended before April 1, 2022. If you qualify, you will be notified by DSS. There is no separate application needed! Take advantage of your coverage so you can keep yourself and your baby healthy. For more information on this update, please click here.

To be eligible, individuals must: • Be pregnant • Be a non-citizen or immigrant who does not qualify for Medicaid due to immigration status • Have a household income under 264% of the Federal Poverty Level (FPL) How do I apply? To apply, please call Access Health CT at 1.855.805.4325. If you are deaf or hearing impaired, you may use TTY at 1.855.789.2428 or call with a relay operator. Does this program affect my ability to apply for citizenship? No. Enrollment in HUSKY B Prenatal Care will not affect an individual’s application for citizenship. For more information, please click here.

HUSKY Health Community Partner Newsletter Page 3 Community Health Network of Connecticut, Inc. ® (CHNCT) is the State of Connecticut’s Medical Administrative Services Organization for the HUSKY Health program.

Summer Programs Summertime is just around the corner! Connecticut offers a variety of summer programs to meet the specific needs and interests of children and parents throughout the state. The American Rescue Plan (ARP) has provided funds to cities, community organizations, and schools to enable them to meet the unique needs of children right here in Connecticut! Summer enrichment programs, camps, and youth employment opportunities are offered to help meet the needs of families throughout the state. Please see the links below for useful information that may help parents and caregivers: K-12 Summer Programs From Recovery to Thriving: How the American Rescue Plan is Supporting America’s Students Search for a Childcare Program Near You

* Parents/caregivers should keep an eye out for communications sent by school districts regarding summer programs available for children. Early registration is recommended to secure a space in these programs. Summer Food Service Program Connecticut’s Summer Food Service Program (SFSP) offers breakfast, lunch, and dinner throughout the summer months for children under the age of 18. The summer meals program begins in June and runs through August. Please click on the link to help members find a distribution site near them: Summer Food Service Program. COVID-19 Updates

One of the best ways to prevent severe illness from COVID-19 is to stay up-to- date on your vaccination status. Everyone over the age of six months is eligible to receive the COVID-19 vaccine. It is recommended to receive the most recent booster that you are eligible for after receiving your primary series of the vaccine. If you are not eligible for the most recent booster but completed your primary series, you are still considered to be up-to-date.¹ For more information on staying up-to-date on the COVID-19 vaccines, please visit the CDC’s website. To find a location to receive your COVID-19 vaccine or booster, please visit Vaccines.gov. Reference: 1. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), 2022. Stay Up to Date with COVID-19 Vaccines Including Boosters. Retrieved from: www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/vaccines/stay-up-to-date.html

For more information, please visit the CDC’s website.

HUSKY Health Community Partner Newsletter Page 4 Community Health Network of Connecticut, Inc. ® (CHNCT) is the State of Connecticut’s Medical Administrative Services Organization for the HUSKY Health program.

Smoking Cessation Smoking Can Cause More Than Just Lung Cancer

Smoking is one of the leading causes of lung cancer and deaths in the United States. According to the Centers for Disease Control (CDC), the rate of deaths is 480,000 per year.¹ However, there are many other problems that occur in the body due to smoking. One of the main concerns is the imbalance of many nutrients in the body. 2 Some of these nutrients include vitamin E, vitamin C, B-carotene, and selenium, which are all antioxidants that play a role in preventing or delaying cell damage. 2,3 Smoking can also lead to poor nutrition and loss of hunger, which is damaging to the body in serval ways. Nutritional status in smokers may also be compromised by an inadequate diet, since smokers are less likely to consume fruits and vegetables, particularly those high in vitamin C and carotenes. 2 Another effect of smoking is “passive smoking.” Passive smoking, also known as “secondhand smoke,” is the inhaling of smoke breathed out by people who smoke or from burning tobacco products. 4 Secondhand smoking is responsible for more than 41,000 deaths per year. 1 The harm caused by secondhand smoke is preventable. Decreasing or quitting smoking can save the lives of smokers and so many people around them. The HUSKY Health program has resources to help members quit smoking. Refer members to our Quit Smoking Now web page to learn about treatment options and support that is available in the community and online to help them quit smoking. References: 1. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), 2022. Disease and Death. Retrieved from: www.cdc.gov/tobacco/data_statistics/fact_sheets/fast_facts/diseases-and-death.html 2. National Library of Medicine, National Center for Biotechnology. Cigarette smoking-nutritional implications, Information, National. Retrieved from: pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/1784736 3. MedlinePlus, 2022. Definition of Health Terms: Minerals. Retrieved from: medlineplus.gov/definitions/mineralsdefinitions.html 4. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), 2022. Secondhand Smoke. Retrieved from: www.cdc.gov/tobacco/secondhand-smoke/index.html

Stroke Awareness Month May is Stroke Awareness Month.¹ A stroke occurs when the blood supply becomes blocked to part of the brain or a blood vessel in the brain bursts. Strokes can cause brain damage that results in speech problems, cognitive issues, disability, paralysis, or even death. 2 Click here to learn the risk factors, treatments, and how to spot the signs of a stroke, which could possibly save a life. References:

1. Health.gov, 2022. National Health Observances. Retrieved from: health.gov/news/category/national-health-observances 2. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), 2022. About Stroke. Retrieved from: www.cdc.gov/stroke/about.htm 3. Florida Health Orange County, 2022. Warning Signs of Stroke. Retrieved from: orange.floridahealth.gov/newsroom/2022/09/ strokes.html

HUSKY Health Community Partner Newsletter Page 5 Community Health Network of Connecticut, Inc. ® (CHNCT) is the State of Connecticut’s Medical Administrative Services Organization for the HUSKY Health program.

Fat Attack™ – Building Muscle & Strengthening Bones Did you know that building muscle can have enormous benefits for the body? HUSKY Health’s Fat Attack program has added a new Mighty Muscle model showing what five pounds of muscle looks like in comparison to five pounds of fat to illustrate the importance of increasing muscle mass.

and duration. 4 Consult your physician before exercising to find a workout plan that is right for you. Today is the perfect day to start working out! Click the video links below (in English or Spanish) to view the new muscle model and learn more about the benefits of building muscle!

Fat vs. Muscle Video (English) Fat vs. Muscle Video (Spanish)

If you’re looking for a perfect recipe to fuel your body with vitamin D, calcium, and protein, check out this yogurt parfait recipe:

Yogurt Parfait Video (English) Yogurt Parfait Video (Spanish)

Look out for HUSKY Health’s Fat Attack table in your community. Visit www.huskyhealthct.org/members/ health-events.html to view the calendar of upcoming events near you. You can also find out more information by checking out our Fat Attack website in English or in Spanish. To book a virtual or in-person Fat Attack presentation or request a table exhibit at a community event, please contact Kellie Gilbert at 203.303.3932 or kgilbert@chnct.org. References: 1. National Library of Medicine: Medline Plus, 2023. Exercise, Lifestyle, and your Bones. Retrieved from: medlineplus.gov/ency/patientinstructions/000492.htm 2. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), 2022. Benefits of Physical Activity. Retrieved from: www.cdc.gov/physicalactivity/basics/pa-health/index.htm 3. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), 2022. Healthy Eating for a Healthy Weight. Retrieved from: www.cdc.gov/healthyweight/healthy_ eating/index.html 4. Connecticut Official State Website: Advocates Corner, 2023. Stay Active and Stay Healthy. Retrieved from: portal.ct.gov/AdvocatesCorner/Life-Tips/ Exercise-and-Healthy-Choices/Stay-Active-and-Stay-Healthy

The accompanying information tent summarizes the benefits of building muscle. Building muscle can contribute to good posture, increased flexibility, fewer injuries, weight control, and feeling less tired from ordinary activities. In addition, the Fat Attack program discusses how building muscle correlates to stronger bones, improved blood sugar control, and reduced blood pressure or cholesterol. How does all of this happen? Exercise in the form of resistance training (exercises that make your muscles pull on your bones), such as push-ups, rowing, and squats, stimulates bones and muscles to grow larger and become stronger. For example, holding weights while doing squats can stimulate increases in bone density, which can prevent, slow, or reduce osteoporosis.¹ Weighted squats also strengthen leg muscles which will improve balance, mobility, overall stamina, and even reduce pain from injuries or arthritis. 2 To help build strong bones and muscles, it is important to fuel your body correctly. Aim to consume foods with vitamin D, calcium, and protein such as low-fat or fat-free yogurt and baked or grilled fish. 3 As you begin resistance training, it is essential to slowly introduce weightlifting into a weekly routine. When these exercises become easier, increase the difficulty

HUSKY Health Community Partner Newsletter Page 6 Community Health Network of Connecticut, Inc. ® (CHNCT) is the State of Connecticut’s Medical Administrative Services Organization for the HUSKY Health program.

Cooking Matters® Brown Rice and Orange Salad

One of the recipes participants are most surprised by in our Cooking Matters CT classes is the Brown Rice and Orange Salad. Many of them say they wouldn’t think to combine rice with fruit, or even use cold rice as the base of a salad at all. Brown Rice and Orange Salad is a colorful, healthy dish that can be made once and eaten for days. Brown rice has more health benefits than white rice because it is a whole grain, meaning it includes all three parts of a grain – the bran, endosperm, and germ. Refined grains, like white rice, go through a process where the bran and germ are removed, which also removes a lot of the fiber, B vitamins, minerals, healthy oils, and vitamin E.¹ The edamame (immature soybeans) and nuts in this recipe add a healthy helping of folate, protein, and iron. 2 Our bodies need to take in enough iron each day to prevent anemia, which can cause memory and concentration problems, learning difficulties in children, GI distress, a lack of energy, and less ability to control body temperature. The fruits in the recipe are loaded with vitamin C, which helps the body absorb iron. 3 The sweet-tart flavors of the dried cranberries and orange segments pair well with the honey-lemon citrus dressing. Heading into the warm weather seasons, this dish is sure to hit the spot. Click here for the recipe. Wondering what to do with the rest of the rice, nuts, cranberries, and edamame? Browse cookingmatters.org/recipe-finder to find more recipes that call for some of the same ingredients like Veggie & Rice Stir-Fry, Cranberry Walnut Coleslaw, or Northwest Apple Salad. References: 1. United States Department of Agriculture (USDA), 2020. A review on nutritional properties, shelf life, health aspects, and consumption of brown rice in comparison with white rice. Retrieved from: pubag.nal.usda.gov/catalog/7866909 2. MyPlate. Beans, Peas, and Lentils. Retrieved from: www.myplate.gov/eat-healthy/protein-foods/beans-and-peas 3. National Institutes of Health (NIH), 2022. Iron Fact Sheet for Consumers. Retrieved from: ods.od.nih.gov/factsheets/Iron-Consumer

HUSKY Health Community Partner Newsletter Page 7 Community Health Network of Connecticut, Inc. ® (CHNCT) is the State of Connecticut’s Medical Administrative Services Organization for the HUSKY Health program.

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