Connecticut
1 in 8 can't afford medical bills in Connecticut: study
Newly released data shows 13% of Connecticut households can’t afford their healthcare costs.
The problem is even bigger with families who get their insurance through an employer, with Office of Health Strategy Commissioner Deidre Gifford estimating that number is around 20%.
“What we found, as you’ve seen, is there is a significant chunk of families struggling to pay all of their healthcare bills,” Gifford said.
The data, released earlier this week, highlights the problems people like Dennis Thomas face.
Thomas, of Rocky Hill, had a heart transplant 15 years ago and has been battling colon cancer for years.
“I take about 50 pills a day and with doctors appointments, I have a little saying that I’m always on call,” Thomas said.
Thomas is currently on Medicaid but had insurance through his employer when he had his heart transplant, a procedure he said cost “over $1 million.”
He’s still has tens of thousands of dollars in medical debt and he said the stress of those piling bills only made his health condition worse.
“It was a surreal feeling because I’m waiting for a heart but I still have bills that are piling up,” Thomas said.
According to the OHS study, healthcare is considered affordable when all costs – including insurance premiums, deductibles and other costs – are between 7% and 11% of a household’s income, depending on the size of the family.
OHS did the study in partnership with Comptroller Sean Scanlon and the Connecticut Health Foundation.
“Our state’s success relies on everyone being able to live their healthiest lives, and that includes being able to afford to get health care when they need it,” CHF President and CEO Tiffany Donelson said in a statement. “Unfortunately, too many families still face unaffordable health care costs.”
Gifford said the costs, including for insurance, are rising because of the price of healthcare. She said the main drivers on healthcare costs are prescription drugs and hospital visits.
OHS has been trying to address those costs, setting benchmark goals for increases and holding hearings to try and find the underlying drivers.
“We need to work collaboratively with those industries and with our colleagues in health insurance to tackle those rising costs,” Gifford said.
NBC Connecticut reached out to the co-chairs of the legislature’s Public Health and Insurance and Real Estate committees, but those lawmakers weren’t available for comment today.
Gifford said OHS plans to release recommendations later this fall, mainly focused on improving transparency for patients who want to know why their bills are so high.
Connecticut
At least four injured after multi-vehicle accident involving bus in Bridgeport, per police
At least three people were taken to local hospitals after a multi-vehicle accident involving a public transit bus in Bridgeport, Connecticut, on Tuesday, according to the Bridgeport Police Department.
The collision took place at around 7:40 p.m. on the 500 block of Water Street, where officials located a Greater Bridgeport Transit Authority (GBTA) bus that struck at least six other vehicles and a wall of the Bridgeport train station.
Once at the scene, emergency medical officials transported several individuals to local hospitals for evaluation and treatment. Two people were taken to Bridgeport Hospital, and two others to St. Vincent’s Medical Center; the extent of their injuries was unknown, per authorities.
An MTA Facility Manager has responded to the scene to assess the structural damage, according to police.
Train service was not impacted on the Metro-North lines as a result of the nearby collision. However, traffic was impacted by the closure of the northbound lane of Water Street between State Street and John Street.
The Bridgeport Police Department Accident Reconstruction Team reported to the site of the crash to examine the circumstances surrounding the accident.
Anyone with information related to this incident is asked to contact the Bridgeport Police Department Traffic Division, Sergeant Darryl Wilson, at 203-576-7640.
Connecticut
Owls, Storytimes, Lights, And Countdown Fun: Here’s What’s Happening Across Connecticut This Weekend
CONNECTICUT — The quiet stretch between Christmas and New Year’s is anything but dull in Connecticut. With schools on break and families looking for ways to get out of the house, towns across the state are rolling out kid-friendly programs, glowing light displays, museum activities, and creative ways to ring in the new year early — or right at midnight. From owls in Mystic to trolley rides in East Windsor and countdown celebrations from Torrington to Hartford, this weekend (Dec. 26–28, with New Year’s Eve events close behind) offers plenty of reasons to bundle up and explore.
In Mystic, nature lovers can spend Friday, Dec. 26, learning about one of the region’s most fascinating nocturnal creatures during Vacation Day: All About Owls at the Denison Pequotsepos Nature Center. Designed for kids on school break, the program introduces participants to local owl species through hands-on activities, live animal presentations, and outdoor exploration. It’s a great option for families looking to balance holiday downtime with educational fun.
Over in Greenwich, the Bruce Museum is hosting Once Upon a Museum: Winter Storytime from Friday through Sunday, Dec. 26–28. Held each morning, the program combines seasonal storytelling with museum exploration, offering young children a calm, creative start to the day. Parents can expect winter-themed books, light activities, and a welcoming introduction to museum spaces that keeps little listeners engaged without overwhelming them.
For families seeking something festive after dark, East Windsor is glowing thanks to Winterfest & the Winter Tunnel of Lights at the Connecticut Trolley Museum. Running on select dates including Dec. 26–28, the event features illuminated displays, holiday décor, and nighttime trolley rides through a sparkling tunnel of lights. The experience blends transportation history with holiday spectacle, making it a unique winter outing for all ages.
Meanwhile, Meriden continues its long-running seasonal tradition with the Festival of Silver Lights at Hubbard Park, which remains on display through Jan. 2. The expansive park is transformed by thousands of white lights wrapped around trees, lining walkways, and reflecting off the park’s lake. Visitors can drive through or park and stroll, making it one of the state’s most accessible and popular holiday light displays.
As the weekend gives way to New Year’s Eve, Connecticut towns are preparing celebrations that range from family-friendly to full-scale citywide events. In Hartford, First Night Hartford 2026 takes over downtown on Tuesday, Dec. 31. This alcohol-free celebration features live music, dance, comedy, ice skating, fireworks, and activities spread across multiple indoor and outdoor venues. It’s one of the state’s largest New Year’s Eve events and a longtime tradition for families and night owls alike.
For those with younger children who won’t make it to midnight, Torrington offers KidsPlay Countdown on Dec. 31. Hosted by the KidsPlay Children’s Museum, the event allows kids to celebrate the new year with games, activities, and a countdown timed just for them. It’s festive without being overwhelming and lets families enjoy the excitement of New Year’s Eve without late-night fatigue.
Another early celebration takes place in East Lyme, where Countdown to Noon gives families a chance to ring in the new year before lunchtime. With music, activities, and a midday countdown, the event is tailored to younger children who want the thrill of a New Year’s celebration without staying up past bedtime.
Altogether, this post-holiday weekend highlights the best of Connecticut’s winter programming: educational nature programs, calm museum mornings, glowing light displays, and creative countdowns that meet families where they are. Whether you’re exploring owls in Mystic, riding a trolley through lights in East Windsor, listening to stories in Greenwich, or planning ahead for a New Year’s countdown in Hartford, Torrington, or East Lyme, there’s no shortage of ways to close out 2025 and step into 2026 with a sense of wonder.
Connecticut
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