www.southingtoncitizen.com
Volume 18, Number 14
Friday, April 2, 2021
Medical claims low as health care visits decline
KNIGHTS HELP OUT
By Jesse Buchanan Record-Journal staff
committee. “Every month, we’re under budget.”
A major drop in health insurance claims from town and Board of Education employees has meant savings for the town.
A big jump in claims that town officials expected late last year and early this year still hasn’t materialized.
Since the start of the pandemic, employees on the town’s self insurance program have gone to a doctor less frequently. Town officials expected claims to rise as pandemic restrictions ease, but said this week that the trend of fewer doctor visits has continued. The Knights of Columbus Council 15 in Southington worked closely with Southington Community Services, donating 72 new coats for its “Coats for Kids” program. In the photo, Faith in Action Community Director Tom Saccoman and Grand Knight Greg Simone.
“There’s fewer elective procedures, people are putting things off,” said Chris Poulos, a member of the Town Council and the self insurance
“We’re not seeing any trend of people going back to the doctor,” Poulos said. With savings expected at the end of this fiscal year, town officials want to reduce contributions to the program this year and take money from the self insurance savings fund. The town funds the health insurance claims for town and Board of Education employees and works with AnSee Claims, A8
Reporting initiative serves diverse Latino communities By Michael Gagne Record-Journal staff
Evelyn Robles-Rivas came to central Connecticut from Puerto Rico in 1991 to stay with family living in the area.
“I was planning to probably be here for a couple of years. I stayed. And I love my job,” said Robles-Rivas, while admitting it was challenging at times juggling the responsibilities of work, raising a family and continuing her education.
When Robles-Rivas arrived in Meriden she had just graduated from college with a bachelor’s degree. She began teaching, and eventually rose through the ranks to become a school principal.
She now holds a doctorate in education and supervises Language and Community Partnerships for the Meriden Public Schools. Robles-Rivas was among more than See Reporting, A2
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