[WASHINGTON, D.C.] – Today, U.S. Senators Richard Blumenthal (D-CT) and Josh Hawley (R-MO) wrote Elevance CEO Gail Koziara Boudreaux demanding answers from the company regarding a recent policy change in states including Connecticut and Missouri denying coverage for anesthesia care if a surgery or procedure goes beyond specific time limits pre-determined by the health insurance provider. Anthem announced the new policy earlier this year, and then rescinded it after facing public outcry. Anthem is a subsidiary of Elevance.
“As you are well aware, health care providers are sworn to act in the best interest of their patient and are the only individuals in an operating room singularly focused on providing quality, sometimes life-saving medical care. Therefore, without strong documentation to the contrary, it was absurd for Anthem to presume that the anesthesia care being provided to patients needed to be restricted through Anthem-imposed time caps,” wrote the Senators.
Blumenthal and Hawley are seeking a commitment from Anthem that the company will not enact a similar anesthesia policy going forward, writing, “In the interest of patients’ health and safety nationwide, we demand answers regarding this ill-conceived policy and clear, direct assurances that a policy cutting off full anesthesia coverage mid-procedure will not be re-considered or re-imposed.”
Last week, it was reported that Anthem planned to enact a one-size-fits-all approach to anesthesia care in states like Connecticut and Missouri that would cut off coverage if anesthesia was needed for longer than Anthem deemed necessary. This policy led to outrage from patients and their providers, who could now be on the hook for increased medical costs simply because medical professionals provided appropriate care. As you are well aware, health care providers are sworn to act in the best interest of their patient and are the only individuals in an operating room singularly focused on providing quality, sometimes life-saving medical care. Therefore, without strong documentation to the contrary, it was absurd for Anthem to presume that the anesthesia care being provided to patients needed to be restricted through Anthem-imposed time caps.
After significant public outrage, Anthem said it would not move forward with the new policy, claiming there was “significant widespread misinformation.”[1] Still, patients and providers have pressing questions about the policy and its potential impact. In an effort to correct the alleged “significant widespread misinformation,” and to put patients and providers at ease, we are demanding that Anthem immediately commit, in writing, to covering any medically necessary anesthesia services and provide an immediate response to the direct questions below:
Can you confirm that all Anthem policies proposing to cap anesthesia coverage times have been rescinded?
Can you confirm that no Anthem policies are currently in effect that cap anesthesia coverage times?
Can you confirm that Anthem will not again consider imposing a policy that limits anesthesia coverage times?
Further, please answer the more detailed questions below to provide transparency to the public, your beneficiaries, and providers by December 20, 2024:
Why did Anthem propose a policy capping anesthesia coverage times? Please provide any documentation finding such a policy was necessary to protect patient care.
Anthem stated that “it never was and never will be the policy of Anthem Blue Cross Blue Shield to not pay for medically necessary anesthesia services.”[2]
Under the proposed (and now rescinded) policy, what would happen if a procedure using anesthesia went over Anthem’s approved time limit?
How does Anthem define “medically necessary anesthesia services”?
Would it be possible under Anthem’s policy for “medically necessary anesthesia services” to only be deemed “medically necessary” for a set amount of time?
Anthem stated that the “proposed update to the policy was only designed to clarify the appropriateness of anesthesia consistent with well-established clinical guidelines.”[3]
Please explain why clarification was necessary.
If it was never Anthem’s policy to not pay for medically necessary anesthesia services, what was the goal – and intended outcome – of the clarification?
What well-established clinical guidelines Anthem was seeking to follow?
Did these clinical guidelines recommend cutting off beneficiary coverage after a certain time limit was reached?
Did Anthem consider how this policy could adversely impact beneficiaries, either medically or financially? If so, please provide detailed information as to how you considered the medical and financial impacts and what you found. If not, please explain why not.
How did Anthem decide which states to impose this policy in, and why were Connecticut and Missouri included?
(HARTFORD, CT) – Governor Ned Lamont and the Connecticut Department of Energy and Environmental Protection (DEEP) today announced that the cities of Bridgeport, Bristol, and Stamford are being awarded more than $9.8 million in competitive federal funding that will benefit four municipal park development projects in each city.
The funds are provided through the Land and Water Conservation Fund – Outdoor Recreation legacy Partnership grants program (LWCF-ORLP), a nationally competitive program that provides matching grants to cities for park projects in underserved communities.
DEEP partnered with each of the municipalities to secure the awards. Partnerships between DEEP and municipalities to secure these awards have had a 100% success rate in 2023 and 2024, with two large-scale development projects being awarded funding in Bridgeport and Stamford in 2023 and two more approved in Bristol and Stamford in 2024.
“Great parks and safe outdoor places for our communities enhances the great quality of life we have here in Connecticut,” Governor Lamont said. “I thank our Congressional delegation and federal agency partners for their efforts to secure this important funding for our state. This is a great example of federal, state, and local governments working together to accomplish big things for the residents of our state.”
“Public parks are one of the few places where people in the community can come together, spend time outdoors, and connect with friends and neighbors,” U.S. Senator Chris Murphy said. “This $9 million in federal funding will help create a new park in Bridgeport and support upgrades to Rockwell, Boccuzzi, and Cummings Parks in Bristol and Stamford, giving Connecticut families more opportunities to enjoy fun outdoor activities like hiking, picnicking, and kayaking for years to come.”
“Connecticut families should have access to high-quality parks where they can come together, stay active, and enjoy the outdoors, regardless of where they live,” U.S. Senator Richard Blumenthal said. “This $9.8 million in federal funding expands access to parks in Bridgeport, Bristol, and Stamford, and I will continue fighting for federal investments to reinvigorate and develop Connecticut’s outdoor spaces.”
“I am glad to see nearly $2 million coming to Bristol through the federal Land and Water Conservation Fund to make long overdue repairs and improvements to Rockwell Park,” U.S. Representative John Larson (CT-01) said. “This funding will modernize amenities, upgrade facilities, expand park hours, and improve access. I will continue to work with the entire Connecticut delegation and our partners at the state and local levels to secure investments like these that preserve access to outdoor spaces and offer new recreational opportunities for residents.”
“Investing in urban parks is a no brainer,” U.S. Representative Jim Himes (CT-04) said. “They provide places for families to gather and children to play, as well as help improve air quality and lower temperatures in our cities. This nearly $8 million investment will tangibly impact people’s lives in Stamford and Bridgeport by transforming these public lands into beautiful, accessible areas of recreation where communities can come together and rejoice in all the outdoors has to offer.”
“DEEP is excited to partner with Bridgeport, Bristol, and Stamford on these transformative parks projects,” DEEP Commissioner Katie Dykes said. “This program is particularly important to ensure our communities impacted by both historical underinvestment and disproportional environmental pollution receive funding to improve the quality of life for their residents. These parks will provide safe playgrounds, splash pads, recreational fields, and access to nature for thousands of youths living in these neighborhoods. We are excited to celebrate these park openings and re-openings in the years to come.”
Bridgeport receives $1 million for Sliver by the River
Bridgeport is receiving $1,062,454 for its project called Sliver by the River that will transform a vacant lot into a three-acre riverside park. The park will feature a kayak launch, fishing pier, playscape, shade pavilion, terraced lawn with seating, lighting, and native plantings. This is the pilot project for Bridgeport’s initiative to create an interconnected series of waterfront parks and amenities along the 22 miles of riverfront area within the city. The city’s application was developed through a partnership with the City of Bridgeport and the Trust for Public Land, with initial input and technical support from the National Park Service’s Rivers, Trails, and Conservation Assistance group (RTCA).
“I would like to thank The Outdoor Recreation Legacy Program for choosing Bridgeport as a beneficiary to a grant that will help us maximize our efforts to utilize our waterfront,” Bridgeport Mayor Joseph Ganim said. “The Sliver by the River is symbolic of what it means to have true collaborative efforts come together to create spaces in our city that our residents can benefit from. As we work closely with local grassroots organizations such as the Trust for Public Land, our hope is that our state and federal partners will continue to maintain connections with other grassroots organizations while we all work side-by-side to provide Bridgeport residents with the amenities they deserve.”
“This is just what Bridgeport needs,” State Senator Herron Keyon Gaston (D-Bridgeport) said. “What a wonderful opportunity for our community. Not only will this park provide a space for future events that will bring people together, but it will create an environment to support a healthy ecosystem by improving the quality for local wildlife. I am beyond grateful for this funding that will help create a beautiful park for residents to enjoy for years to come.”
“Trust for Public Land is proud to support the Bridgeport Waterfront Pathway project, a vital link connecting the community to the outdoors and expanding equitable access to green spaces,” Walker Holmes, vice president for the Mid-Atlantic Region and Connecticut state director for Trust for Public Land, said. “With the support of the Outdoor Recreation Legacy Partnership program, we’re able to invest in projects that strengthen neighborhoods and transform spaces into a destination for recreation, relaxation, and outdoor learning – making cities like Bridgeport healthier, greener, and more connected.”
Bristol receives $1.9 million for Rockwell Park
Bristol is receiving $1,930,000 for long-overdue improvements to modernize Rockwell Park, often considered the crown jewel of the City of Bristol system of parks. Significant renovations have not been made to the park in almost 20 years, and currently many of the facilities incur massive maintenance costs to keep safe for the public. Some facilities are even on the verge of being unusable.
With this award, the city will renovate popular and heavily utilized amenities within the 105-acre park, including the splash park, playgrounds, outdoor pool, and bathhouse. The award will also allow for ADA improvements on existing trails and Fraser Field, new basketball court lighting, installation of a new fitness track, and improvements to the existing 18-hole disc golf course. These improvements will modernize existing park amenities, improve visitor experiences and expand park hours and accessibility in Bristol’s most heavily visited park.
“On behalf of the Board of Park Commissioners and City of Bristol Parks, Recreation, Youth and Community Services Department, we are incredibly pleased to have been selected for this grant,” Bristol Mayor Jeff Caggiano said. “These funds will be used to renovate the splash park, playground, pool bathhouse, disc golf course, basketball courts and accessible upgrades to the trail system and at Fraser Little League Field. Rockwell Park is a gem, and these funds will allow us to revitalize the park to provide for our residents and future generations of park users.”
Stamford receives $6.8 million for Boccuzzi Park, Cummings Park, West Beach
Stamford will receive funding for two separate projects. For improvements to Boccuzzi Park, it will receive $1,811,075. Improvements will include the addition of a splash pad, the creation of a new multi-use field and event space, as well as a new dog park and basketball court. The city will also upgrade its existing children’s playground, create additional parking and install new landscaping throughout the park.
For improvements at Cummings Park and West Beach, Stamford will receive $5,000,000. The city will resurface and expand parking lots, renovate restrooms and park maintenance facilities, install tennis/pickleball courts, a softball field and convert an unused parking lot into a playscape area. Many of these repairs are needed from damage created by Superstorm Sandy. The city will also add a scour wall to protect facilities from future storms, replace the eroded beach promenade, and renovate outdoor showers as well as a lifeguard storage area. The improvements will also include landscaping with native plants throughout both facilities.
“Investing in our parks is investing in the health, well-being, and future of our communities,” State Representative Corey Paris (D-Stamford) said. “The funding for Boccuzzi Park and Cummings Park in Stamford will transform these spaces into vibrant hubs for recreation and connection, while addressing the lingering effects of Superstorm Sandy. I’m proud to support this critical investment in our city’s infrastructure and quality of life. I want to thank the Land and Water Conservation Fund and DEEP for their commitment to ensuring all families have access to safe, modern outdoor spaces.”
“Stamford’s parks, including Boccuzzi Park, Cummings Park, and West Beach, dramatically improve our quality of life and they are a big reason why our city is among the fastest-growing communities in our state,” State Senator Patricia Billie Miller (D-Stamford, Darien) said. “It is critical that we invest in preserving and enhancing these spaces for future generations. I’m thrilled to see this $6.8 million investment, which will support significant improvements like new playgrounds, sports courts, and much-needed repairs. This funding will ensure that our parks remain valuable resources for Stamford families to enjoy for years to come.”
FAIRFIELD, CT – The Fairfield Arts Commission extends its gratitude to all who attended the Kick-Off Event for the Artistic Visions Challenge on Thursday, December 5th, at the Second Story above the Fairfield University Store. Special thanks to Fairfield University for hosting the event and sponsoring sketchbooks for young artists.
The Artistic Visions Challenge is a town-wide juried art competition designed to inspire young artists to explore creativity in unique ways. Open to participants aged 11-18 who either reside or attend school in Fairfield, the competition’s theme for this year is to create artwork reflecting the Town of Fairfield’s history. Entries must incorporate the letters “F-A-I-R-F-I-E-L-D” and include at least one “Easter Egg”—a hidden message or reference to engage viewers.
Eligibility and Entry Details:
Open to ages 11-18 living in Fairfield or attending a school within the town.
Divided into two categories: ages 11-14 and ages 15-18. Teams of up to three are allowed.
Registration deadline: January 31, 2024 (requires parental/guardian co-sign as supervisor).
Final submissions (including an artist statement and digital representation) are due by March 1, 2024.
The Commission encourages participants to push creative boundaries, experiment with techniques, and blend traditional art forms to create innovative works. Rules and guidelines can be found online.
To enrich the process, participants will have access to local artists for inspiration and mentorship. A “Collaboration Station” event will be held on January 16th, 6-8 PM, at Fairfield Theatre Company (70 Sanford Street). This free event invites young artists to network and share ideas, though advance registration is requested.
For sponsorship opportunities, contact the Fairfield Arts Commission at (203) 256-3120 or arts@fairfieldct.org.
About the Fairfield Arts Commission: The Fairfield Arts Commission is a nine-member volunteer body appointed by the First Selectman. Its mission is to promote artistic and cultural activities within Fairfield. Since its establishment in 2023, the Commission has been working toward achieving statewide recognition for Fairfield as a cultural district.
Bridgeport said in a statement: “At 09:57hrs, the City of Bridgeport ECC received a call regarding a bomb threat at St. Margaret’s Shrine. The Bridgeport Police and Fire Departments were dispatched and determined the call to be a swatting incident. Currently, the Bridgeport Police Department is actively investigating the incident with other law enforcement as other similar calls were received in other jurisdictions. However, there appears to be no threat and only a hoax.
We urge everyone that a swatting incident is designed to create anxiety and to mobilize an emergency response when no threat exists. Anyone receiving a call should remain calm, notify local authorities, and work in conjunction with those first responder teams.”
At approximately 2:35 PM on Thursday, December 12, 2024, the Stratford Communication Center received a 911 call reporting a fire at a residence on Canaan Road. A full structure fire assignment, including all on-duty fire apparatus under Assistant Chief Timothy Brennan’s command, responded to the scene. A total of 22 firefighters, supported by additional staff officers, worked to manage the incident.
Upon arrival, the first responding crews entered the residence and located the fire’s source. Firefighters acted swiftly to contain the flames to the area of origin, minimizing damage to other parts of the home. Rescue teams conducted a thorough search of all floors and confirmed that all occupants had self-evacuated before firefighters arrived.
Mutual aid station coverage was provided by the Bridgeport and Milford Fire Departments, while Stratford EMS supported on-site due to cold weather conditions. The cause of the fire is under investigation by the Stratford Fire Marshal’s Office. The Red Cross was called to assist the displaced residents with housing needs.
The Stratford Fire Department reminds residents to ensure their homes are equipped with working smoke detectors, regularly practice escape plans, and call 911 immediately upon noticing smoke or fire.
Sen. Tony Hwang (R-Fairfield) and former Chairman of the Public Safety & Security Committee today issued the following statement regarding the sightings of possible unauthorized drones over the Fairfield community.
“It’s very unsettling to public safety and security, both here in Fairfield and elsewhere.
What we have is a lack of information at all levels of government. It’s really a breakdown of communication. Without that vital communication, you lose the public’s confidence, you get speculation and you get fear.
The Pentagon says any action taken against drones is a decision for local law enforcement. As state legislators, we must support that.
I agree with U.S. Sen. Blumenthal, who advocates for shooting drones down, if necessary, to get answers and accountability.
We must be proactive, not reactive. That requires full transparency, accountability, and honest public conversations to arrive at a resolution and a plan to deal with this immediately. To ensure public safety and confidence, we need a threat assessment as soon as possible.
We as lawmakers will continue to be in close contact with law enforcement officials to help get essential information to the public.”
Report of a dryer that caught fire in a building at the 1000 block of Boston Post Road in Milford. Firefighters are on scene and have knocked down the bulk of the fire and are currently looking for any extensions or hot spots.
On December 5, 2024, Fairfield Officers D. Teixeira and Z. Ruscoe were conducting direct patrols in the area of Pearl Street and Orchard Street due to a recent uptick in criminal activity. While monitoring the area, the officers observed a hand-to-hand transaction consistent with the sale of illegal narcotics.
When officers approached, the suspect fled on foot into a nearby apartment building. He forced his way into an occupied unit, closing the door behind him. Attempting to escape further, he used the building’s fire escape but was apprehended shortly after by responding officers.
The suspect, identified as 35-year-old Courtney T. Estaba, was arrested and taken into custody. He faces the following charges:
Possession of a Controlled Substance
Criminal Trespass, 1st Degree
Breach of Peace
Sale of Narcotics
Possession with Intent to Sell
Estaba’s bond was set at $68,000, with an additional $400,000 bond for an outstanding warrant for Failure to Appear in the 1st Degree.
The Fairfield Police Department continues its efforts to address criminal activity and maintain safety within the community.
