75 attend health care forum in Ansonia

    State Sen. Joseph J. Crisco, Jr. , D-Woodbridge, was joined Monday night by U.S. Rep. Rosa DeLauro, D-New Haven, and state Rep. Linda Gentile, D-Ansonia, at a health care forum in Ansonia.
    They discussed topics ranging from cancer screening options and coverage to organ donation to healthcare parity for women.
    An estimated audience of 75 residents attended the event, hosted by the Ladies Guild of the Holy Rosary Church at the church.
    “In terms of public policy, at both the state and federal level, we’re making steady strides on many fronts regarding healthcare, from increased cancer screening options and improved insurance coverage, to improved testing for organ and bone marrow transplant compatibility, all with an eye toward increasing access and affordability in healthcare,” Crisco said. “Events like this help us spread the word about new opportunities available for Connecticut residents – I’m grateful to the Ladies Guild and all who attended last night’s forum.”
    Crisco spoke of enhanced breast cancer screening options for women with dense tissue, as well as expanded insurance coverage of that screening.
    Gentile described recent advances with regard to organ donation programs, in terms of both compatibility testing and insurance coverage, and DeLauro explained what’s happening at the federal level to improve women’s parity with regard to healthcare access.
    “These local forums are a great opportunity for legislators to bring government to the people in their districts,” Gentile said. “It's important we have personal dialogues to exchange ideas and information with our constituents.  I want to personally thank the organizers and the men and women who attended the event.”
    Crisco, Senate chair of the legislature’s Insurance and Real Estate Committee, is also vice-chair of its Banks Committee and Commerce Committee, Ranking Member of the Internship Committee, and serves on the Legislative Management Committee as well.

    This information was provided by Crisco’s office.