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Will Protect our Interests

The COVID-19 pandemic has awakened many to how fragile they are, and to the importance of elected officials who are working to protect them.

As a person with a good paying job in a highly skilled profession for more than 30 years, I gave little concern to financial security or healthcare. The COVID pandemic was a wakeup call. I was thrust into a totally grim and unfamiliar situation, of which I had little control. I was furloughed from my full-time job and, with reduced hours, was no longer eligible for health insurance. Fortunately, I qualified for COBRA insurance, but at considerable cost. Suddenly I was aware of my vulnerability, and the financial risks associated with an illness to myself or my spouse.

It is well known that a major cause of bankruptcy in this country is a result of healthcare costs due to protracted illness or catastrophic injury. It seems absurd that individuals and families must be subjected to such risks in a developed country. We need elected officials who are compassionate, creative, and committed to healthcare that works for everyone. Even now, with the COVID risk and prevalence of long-haul symptoms, politicians are trying to eliminate pre-conditions from healthcare plans and eradicate the Affordable Care Act. We need legislators in the Connecticut General Assembly who will protect our interests and fight for our healthcare and financial security.

It is clear that State Representative Christine Palm (D-36) is that person. She has proven her commitment to healthcare reform, supported expansion of tele-health programs, benefits for home care, and mental health parity. She has also provided regular updates about COVID-19 and assisted constituents with essential resources. Representative Christine Palm is competent and caring, and will be a strong voice to protect healthcare for all her constituents.

Erik Hluchan

Deep River