October2013pRT1_NCN new template 9/29/13 9:34 AM Page 1
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Access Health to Help with New Health Care Choices By Linda Tishler Levinson Residents of North Central Connecticut, like their counterparts throughout the state, will be able to sign up for the new health care exchanges beginning Oct. 1. Under the federal Affordable Care Act, residents between the ages of 18 and 65 must have health insurance by Jan. 1, 2014. Unless they are exempt, those who are not insured Jan. 1 will face a penalty fee. Those who earn less than $45,960 year as individuals or less than $94,200 for a family may be eligible for help with health insurance costs. They also will help those who qualify for
In This Issue • EAST WINDSOR: State leaves wellwater users high and dry ...............p. 4 • ELLINGTON: The Hidden Still makes a spirited debut ...............................p. 6 • ENFIELD: Asnuntuck earns accommodation from military......................p. 9 • ENFIELD: Time may be right for revisions to town charter ..................p. 14 • SOMERS: Gymnasts on the prowl at SOMERSault Jungle Gymnastics ..p. 15 • STAFFORD: Library will show you how to help yourself ..........................p. 25 • SUFFIELD: Hilltop Farm ends up in friendly hands ............................ p. 31 • SUFFIELD: Chamber of Commerce unveils new website....................p. 33
• NEXT ISSUE • DEADLINE: Oct. 25, 2013 (860) 698-0020 www.thenorthcentralnews.com
Medicaid enroll in the program. Access Health CT was created by the Connecticut Legislature in 2011 as a quasi-public agency that helps residents comply with the Affordable Care Act. According to its website, “Access Health CT will ensure that participating health plans meet certain standards and will facilitate competition and choice by rating the quality of each plan. Individuals and families buying coverage through the Exchange may qualify for tax credits on premiums. The Exchange will also coordinate eligibility and enrollment with state
ACCESS/page 4
Revival Room Celebrates Autumn Kim Newman, owner of The Revival Room Fitness & Yoga Studio in Ellington, led clients on a group hike at Soapstone Mountain on Sept. 21 to celebrate the autumnal equinox and to connect mind and body with nature.
Here We Grow Again - Welcome Suffield! SUFFIELD- Continuing its mission to become “the people’s paper” for the region, The North Central News is proud to find its way into the homes of Suffield/West Suffield residents once
again this month. “Since our inception in 2002, the North Central News has brought back the type of positive, homespun community news and features that the other
Fall MEDICARE Workshops for Annual Enrollment
October 2013
ZERO Premium Medicare Advantage Plans
Register for a Workshop near you! Available dates found on page 20
Offering Plans from Every Company in the state of CT!
LLC
William McCloskey, Sr.
48 South Road, Unit 2 | P.O. Box 398, Somers, CT 06071
860.749.0482 | bill@statelineseniorservices.com www.statelineseniorservices.com
publications have abandoned,” explained Editor & Publisher Gary Carra. “We at the North Central News believe there are a lot of great stories in Suffield that aren’t being told, and we’re going to do something about it.” In addition to Suffield residents this month, the North Central News goes to all homes and P.O. boxes in East Windsor, Ellington, Enfield, Somers and Stafford and is also available for free pickup at more than 100 hightraffic locations (i.e. town halls, supermarkets, libraries, etc.). This month’s mailing into Suffield was made possible by the following local sponsors: • Edward Jones (p. 31) • Fireside Designs (p. 32) • Enfield Motor Sports (p. 36) For more information on the North Central News - including sponsorship of the October issue visit www.thenorthcentralnews.com, call 860-698-0020 or email: northcentralnews@aol.com. The deadline for advertising and editorial submissions for the next issue is Friday, Oct. 25. - NCN Staff