Connecticut’s population is becoming increasingly diverse. In fact, the number of Connecticut residents who identify as a person of color increased to 36.8% in 2020. It was previously 28.8% in 2010, according to the 2010 U.S. Census.
Despite the increase in diversity, recent data shows that Black residents in the state continue to experience higher rates of chronic conditions compared to other racial/ethnic groups. For example, Black residents are more likely to have diabetes, hypertension, and cardiovascular diseases. Creating access to resources, such as preventive care and doctors who can help catch health issues early, can help make a difference.
Access Health CT (AHCT) created the Broker Academy Program to address some of the underlying reasons why communities of color have such different health outcomes than other residents. We’ve learned that many members of these communities lack health insurance coverage, which can lead to delayed medical care. One of the barriers to getting health insurance is not having a trusted resource to help you shop, compare and enroll in a health insurance plan. By training brokers from hard-to-reach communities, the Broker Academy Program aims to connect more individuals with health insurance experts they can trust.
Fifty students have successfully graduated from the Broker Academy Program (forty-two have been certified by AHCT and are licensed to work in their communities) since its start in 2022, including eighteen graduates in 2023. These new certified brokers can help answer questions about the enrollment process and health insurance in general. They may even be familiar faces from your neighborhood.
Where can I learn more about the Broker Academy Program?
You can check out the Broker Academy Program webpage for more information.
How can I get involved?
Community collaboration is essential to the success of the Broker Academy Program. If you are part of an organization and are interested in recruiting qualified candidates, or you are a licensed, certified broker who would like to serve as a mentor to future Program graduates, please email AHCT.BrokerAcademy@ct.gov.
Still have questions?
Whether you have questions about the recent Program graduates, your own candidacy, or would like more details about the Program, the Access Health CT team is ready and available to help. Visit the Broker Academy Program webpage at AccessHealthCT.com/broker-academy.