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Access Health CT Recognizes Connecticut Foodshare Leader With Annual “Commitment to Community” Award

Jason Jakubowski honored for leadership and playing an instrumental role in supporting the basic needs of Connecticut communities during the public health emergency

HARTFORD, Conn. (Oct. 19, 2021) — Access Health CT (AHCT) hosted its annual Community Summit today, preparing community partners, insurance carriers, brokers and certified application counselors (CACs) for the upcoming annual Open Enrollment period starting November 1 – when Connecticut residents can shop, compare and enroll in health insurance coverage through the state-based marketplace.

As part of the annual event, AHCT recognizes a local community leader that demonstrates shared values, including resilience, determination and passion for delivering vital information and services to Connecticut communities. The 2021 “Commitment to Community” award was presented to Jason Jakubowski, President and Chief Executive Officer of Connecticut Foodshare.

Jakubowski has been instrumental within the industry for years, helping to alleviate food insecurity for Connecticut’s most vulnerable populations – a problem that increased significantly in size and scale during the public health emergency. According to Connecticut Foodshare, Connecticut’s population of people living with food insecurity grew by an estimated 14% during the pandemic, to more than 490,000 people, including 131,000 children.

“Access Health CT’s strategic partnerships with food banks across the state has been critical since our inception,” said Access Health CT Chief Executive Officer, James Michel. “We applaud Jason’s leadership and his ability to connect Connecticut residents with the resources they need to live healthier lives – including the opportunity for Access Health CT to provide information about free and low-cost health insurance options to those in need.”

Jakubowski oversees a dedicated team of 110 employees and more than 8,000 volunteers who deliver in excess of 40 million meals each year through a state-wide network of approximately 700 community-based agencies.

The annual Open Enrollment period for Access Health CT starts Nov. 1, 2021 and ends Jan. 15, 2022. Connecticut residents must enroll and complete their application by December 15, 2021 for coverage that starts January 1, 2022. Connecticut residents that enroll or complete their application on or after December 16, 2021 will have coverage that starts February 1, 2022. Individuals may only enroll after January 15, 2022 if they are eligible for HUSKY HEALTH (Medicaid or the Children’s Health Insurance Program (CHIP) or have experienced a qualifying life event to be eligible for a Special Enrollment Period.

Individuals and families in Connecticut can find free help to enroll in quality health insurance plans during the annual Open Enrollment Period, including: