 | | | Friend, welcome to Health Equity Solutions' monthly newsletter! | | | | ICYMI: Read Our Full Statement Regarding the Reconciliation Bill | | For Immediate Release: July 3, 2025 NEWS RELEASE Health Equity Solutions Responds to Congress’ Big Bill Hartford, CT (July 3, 2025) — Health Equity Solutions Ayesha R. Clarke, Executive Director issued the following statement in response to the U.S. Senate’s passage of the Big Beautiful Bill, a wide-reaching piece of federal legislation that will have a devastating impact on health care, economic security, and social safety net programs in Connecticut. This bill represents the largest change to our health care systems since the Affordable Care Act and will result in significant coverage losses. This legislation includes large cuts to programs like Medicaid and Access Health CT as well as SNAP and housing vouchers, programs that are essential to ensuring health and well-being for low-income, uninsured, and marginalized communities. We are deeply concerned about the loss of access to health care and negative health impacts. Cuts to health care coverage will deepen racial and health inequities, disproportionately harming Black and Brown families who rely on Medicaid and Access Health due to long-standing systemic discrimination. By stripping health coverage, slashing food and housing support, and reducing access to reproductive care, the bill will worsen generational poverty. Federal projections show that millions will lose coverage—and even more if states cut benefits in response to reduced funding. This is a direct attack on racial and health equity. We will continue working alongside communities, partners, and policymakers to ensure everything possible is done to minimize the harm this does to people in Connecticut. Our work is far from over. We are committed to ensuring that none of Connecticut’s residents are left behind in the name of reform. About Health Equity Solutions Health Equity Solutions (HES) is a nonprofit advocacy organization with a statewide focus on advancing health equity through anti-racist policies and practices. Our vision is for every Connecticut resident to attain optimal health regardless of race, ethnicity, or socioeconomic status. ### | | | | Save the Date: Join us for the first-ever HES Walk for Health Equity! | | Let’s take steps together toward a healthier, more just Connecticut—where everyone, regardless of race or background, has the opportunity to thrive. Your presence sends a powerful message: that we will no longer accept a system that leaves Black and Brown communities behind. Walk with us—not just in spirit, but as a partner in the movement for lasting change in health equity.
Walk for justice, give for impact. Register today!
Questions? Contact: jbaril@hesct.org | | | | | | | |  | | | | | | | | ****Stay tuned for more opportunities to advocate to protect Medicaid and Access Health CT.**** | | | | | | Welcome Duwa Amin, Our New Policy and Advocacy Manager We’re excited to welcome Duwa Amin to the Health Equity Solutions team! Duwa brings a deep commitment to health equity and a wealth of experience spanning both global and U.S. health systems. Before joining HES, she worked at the U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID), supporting efforts to combat the global HIV epidemic through the President’s Emergency Plan for AIDS Relief (PEPFAR). She also contributed to health care quality innovation at the Yale Center for Outcomes Research and Evaluation in partnership with the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS). Duwa holds both a Master of Public Health in Global Health and a Bachelor of Science in Health Science from Boston University. We’re thrilled to have her expertise and passion on board. | | | | Welcome Kelly Ruesta Cayetano, Our New Policy and Advocacy Intern! We’re thrilled to welcome Kelly Ruesta Cayetano (she/her/ella) to the team! Kelly is currently pursuing her Master of Public Health at Columbia University’s Mailman School of Public Health, with a focus on Sociomedical Sciences. Her academic journey began at the University of Connecticut, where her research sparked a deep interest in immigrant healthcare, health equity, and medical anthropology. At HES, Kelly has further honed her community engagement skills and is now diving deeper into policy advocacy. When she’s not busy with classes or making an impact, you can find her enjoying quality time with friends and her beloved cat. | | | | Welcome Ayesha Middya, Our New Community Engagement Intern! We’re excited to welcome Ayesha Middya, a rising leader in the health equity space! Currently pursuing a Master of Public Health at the Yale School of Public Health with a concentration in Health Policy, Ayesha is entering her final year with a strong commitment to understanding how policy impacts community health. At HES, she will be exploring how both federal and state-level initiatives shape well-being and learn about the intersection of policy and public health. We’re thrilled to have her on board as she continue to grow her skills in community engagement and advocacy. | | | | | | | | | | We love to highlight the work of our partners and interesting events in the health equity neighborhood. Have content to contribute? Fill out this form. We're eager to learn about what you're working on. Know someone who might be interested in receiving our newsletter? Share this subscription link! | | | | A Roadmap to Fully Funded Communities - Multiple Dates The Connecticut Voices for Children is hosting a series of community conversations where they'll share new research on the State’s fiscal controls (or what politicians are calling “fiscal guardrails”) that will shed light on how Connecticut can raise revenue to invest in all of our children and families. The events is free and will include dinner, child care, and translation services. 📍 Upcoming stops: Danbury (Aug. 28), New London (Sept. 25), New Britain (Oct. 30), and Middletown (Nov. 20) | | | | | | Equity in a New Era of Public Health - August 7 The Intersection is hosting a virtual discussion on the current public health system. The speakers will share new strategies and resources to help your community or organization navigate an evolving public health landscape. The conversation will explore: - The current landscape, including threats and mistrust aimed at governmental public health
- Ideas for how healthcare organizations, governmental public health agencies, and community leaders can work together to fill gaps and maintain local autonomy
- Reimagining a public health system that is more equitable
| | | | | | Stay informed about the latest developments in health equity, social determinants of health, racial justice, and more! Every week, we feature relevant news articles and reports on our social media. Check out a few highlights below: | | | | - How federal policy changes will affect Access Health CT plans: Subsidies that help over 130,000 Connecticut residents afford health care are set to expire at the end of 2025: Connecticut’s ACA marketplace, Access Health CT, will feel the impact of the "One Big Beautiful Bill" before Medicaid changes take effect. Nearly 135,000 people, or about 90% of exchange enrollees, are expected to lose enhanced premium tax credits after December 31, 2025, which could increase annual insurance costs by around $1,700. The bill also reduces eligibility for immigrants and imposes tighter enrollment and income-verification rules, including the end of special enrollment periods after August 25. Read the full story HERE.
- HHS ban on serving undocumented clients a ‘fundamental shift,’ CT health centers say: Community health centers across CT are warning that a new federal policy will cut off undocumented immigrants from taxpayer-funded care, including vital services at behavioral and community health centers. This could impact 20,000–60,000 patients annually, many of whom are Black or Latino. This move threatens to widen already deep racial and health inequities. Community leaders and state officials are pushing back, exploring legal challenges and calling for inclusive solutions. Read the full story HERE.
- Gov. Lamont holds signing ceremony for mental health bill: Governor Ned Lamont signed SB 10 on July 10, 2025, during a ceremony at Hartford’s Institute of Living, unveiling new measures to enhance mental health parity. The legislation mandates insurer transparency and compliance, imposes fines up to $625,000 for violations, and bans step therapy for certain mental health and autoimmune medications, while also granting the Insurance Department authority to cap premium hikes. Read the full story HERE.
| | | | | | | | Health Equity Solutions
53 Oak Street | Hartford, Connecticut 06106
860.461.7637 | info@hesct.org | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
