On April 30, during his daily news briefing, Governor Lamont presented an approach his administration is considering to reopen Connecticut’s economy in phases, beginning on May 20, 2020.

The governor stated the move is the first of a four-tier system, with a gradual lifting of restrictions continuing through the year. At least four weeks will pass between one move to the next one.

The list of businesses that can reopen on May 20 includes:

• Restaurants (outdoor service only; no bar areas)
• Remaining retail (including boutiques, jewelry stores, toy stores)
• Offices (workers should still work from home, if possible)
• Personal services (hair and nail salons only)
• Museums and zoos (outdoor only)
• Additional outdoor recreation (camping, mountain biking)
• University research programs

With regard to protecting high-risk populations, the governor said maintaining some restrictions is “the right thing to do” and that his administration is focusing on urban communities and those who live in more densely populated areas, to make sure future flare-ups are prevented with prioritized testing and treatment.

To that end, the Connecticut Department of Social Services is preparing to implement new coverage for uninsured children and adults in the HUSKY Health program, as part of the state’s response to the COVID-19 public health emergency. This will include:

Medicaid for the Uninsured/COVID-19

Uninsured state residents of any income level may be eligible for free Medicaid coverage of COVID-19 testing and testing-related provider visits. This new federally funded Medicaid coverage group will cover both citizens and qualifying non-citizens for testing and provider visits incurred between March 18, 2020, and the end of the public health emergency.

HUSKY Health providers are advised to retain records regarding COVID-19 testing and testing-related provider visits for eligible individuals, starting March 18 and through the duration of the public health emergency, for purposes of Medicaid reimbursement. The Department of Social Services expects to issue more detailed guidance on this new coverage group, including processes for enrollment and claims, by mid-May. At that point, individuals who received care on or after March 18 and were eligible for coverage at the time services were provided will be able to receive retroactive coverage.

Emergency Medicaid for Non-Citizens/COVID-19

Connecticut residents who meet financial eligibility requirements but do not qualify for full Medicaid due to their immigration status, including undocumented individuals, are eligible to receive Medicaid to treat an emergency medical condition. COVID-19 testing and testing-related provider visits are emergency visits that will be covered by Emergency Medicaid. Emergency Medicaid is not a factor in federal immigration ‘public charge’ determinations.

The Department of Social Services expects to issue more detailed guidance, including processes for enrollment and claims for testing and testing-related services, by mid-May. At that point, individuals who received care within the prior three months and were eligible for coverage at the time services were provided will be able to receive retroactive coverage. HUSKY Health providers are advised that coverage for hospitalization will be handled through existing processes for Emergency Medicaid coverage.

In addition, Reopen Connecticut Advisory Group Co-chair Dr. Albert Ko said that social distancing would continue to be observed through at least the summer, referencing Governor Lamont’s executive order issued in March for people to maintain a distance from one another of at least six feet apart and to avoid gatherings of more than five people.

Age restrictions – such as asking 60-year-olds to remain home, and gradually raising that to 70 – could be a part of the reopening strategy, as would restricting crowds to five to 10 and gradually increasing that.

All of it is dependent upon an expected ramping up of testing and contact tracing, Lamont stressed. Should a sudden surge occur somewhere in the state, affecting hospital capacity and PPE, “we are going to recalibrate” the May 20 date, the governor said.

For the most up-to-date information from the State of Connecticut on COVID-19, including FAQ and other guidance and resources, residents are encouraged to visit ct.gov/coronavirus.

Individuals who have general questions that are not answered on the website can also call 2-1-1 for assistance. The hotline is available 24 hours a day and has multilingual assistance and TDD/TTY access. It intended to be used by individuals who are not experiencing symptoms but may have general questions related to COVID-19. Anyone experiencing symptoms is strongly urged to contact their medical provider.