Comptroller Sean Scanlon Announces Disbursement Of $10 Million In Healthcare Assistance To More Than 7,300 Paraeducators

Sean Scanlon
CT State Comptroller
2023-present

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Two programs will provide financial support to critical classroom support staff on high-deductible plans

(HARTFORD, CT) – Comptroller Sean Scanlon today announced that $10 million will be distributed to 160 districts across Connecticut to assist more than 7,300 paraeducators with health insurance costs.

“Despite the indispensable role paraeducators play in our schools, many struggle to both stay in the field and afford necessities like housing and healthcare. This just isn’t right,” said Comptroller Scanlon. “Through this program, we are supporting paraeducators, helping our cities and towns keep more of them in the classroom, and making sure our kids get the quality education they deserve.”

Paraeducators play a vital role in school ecosystems, providing direct support to both teachers and students. The original program was established as part of the 2023-2024 biennium budget. Since then, the Office of the State Comptroller has released $15 million in funding directly to districts to subsidize paraeducators’ healthcare costs.

This year, more than 4,300 paraeducators enrolled in a high-deductible health plan with a health savings account who are employed by a local or regional school district are eligible for a an almost 70% discount from their annual deductible share. In addition, approximately 3,000 paraeducators will receive an average discount of 43% from their healthcare premium costs if they are enrolled in a traditional, premium-based plan.

Education Commissioner Charlene M. Russell-Tucker said, “Paraeducators are essential to creating nurturing classroom environments where all students can thrive. This program is another important way we invest in and celebrate their dedication to helping every student unlock lifelong potential.”

AFSCME Council 4 Executive Director Jody Barr said, “Paraeducators play a vital role in supporting students’ education, yet too often they struggle to access the medical care they need to stay healthy and continue their important work in the classroom. We are grateful to the Legislature, Governor, and Comptroller Scanlon for creating this program, which will deliver real and meaningful relief for paraeducators as these educators continue to confront rising healthcare costs.”

President Carl R. Chisem from MEUI Local 506 said, “Our schools rely on the meaningful work of our paraeducators, and the continuation of this healthcare assistance program is just one small gesture towards ensuring paraeducators will one day make a living wage. We know how valuable paraeducators are to our communities, and the time for better wages and affordable healthcare for our dedicated paraeducators in the State of Connecticut is long overdue.”

AFT Connecticut President Jan Hochadel said, “The continuation of this lifeline is critical to empowering local and regional school district leaders to recruit and retain paraeducators in their classrooms. Our members are essential to ensuring every child gets the education they need and deserve. This subsidy does make a real difference, but we’ve still got a long way to go to make up for decades of disinvestment. What is needed now are additional resources to lift paras out of poverty and keep them in the classroom supporting the students who depend on them.”

Members of the School Paraprofessional Advisory Council Shellye Davis and Tricia Santos said, “This stipend for paraeducators will help reduce healthcare costs. It is a long overdue step towards improving recruitment and retention. By itself, it won’t solve the crisis to lift paraeducators out of poverty, but if combined with additional resources, it will make a difference. We are grateful.”

Louise Vezina, a Paraeducator at the North Stratfield School in Fairfield and CSEA member said, “The healthcare subsidy has made a huge difference in my life. It has given me some breathing room and peace of mind knowing I can afford to take care of myself and my family. With this support, I can focus on what I do best—helping every student learn, grow, and succeed.”

Paraeducators who qualify for assistance should expect to see a deposit in their health savings account (HSA) or a lowering of their premium cost in the coming weeks.