Comptroller Sean Scanlon Announces Disbursement Of $10 Million In Healthcare Assistance To More Than 7,600 Paraeducators
Two programs will provide financial support to critical classroom support staff
(HARTFORD, CT) – Comptroller Sean Scanlon today announced that $10 million will be distributed to 171 districts across Connecticut to assist more than 7,600 paraeducators with health insurance costs.
“This is the fourth year we’ve been able to make a real difference in the lives of paraeducators—the people who selflessly support our teachers and our highest needs students,” said Comptroller Scanlon. “But we need to make healthcare more affordable for everyone, so that nobody working fulltime has to rely on a subsidy to get the care they need and 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 $35 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 public school are eligible for a 70% discount from their annual deductible share. In addition, approximately 3,300 paraeducators will receive an average discount of 27.5% from their healthcare premium costs if they are enrolled in a traditional, premium-based plan.
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.
Top 10 Districts: Paraeducators Receiving Assistance
| District | Number of Paraeducators |
|---|---|
| Hartford Public Schools | 312 |
| Stamford Public Schools | 294 |
| Area Cooperative Educational Services (ACES) | 290 |
| Bridgeport Public Schools | 202 |
| Fairfield Public Schools | 202 |
| New Haven Public Schools | 181 |
| Southington Public Schools | 174 |
| Capitol Region Education Council (CREC) | 169 |
| Norwalk Public Schools | 158 |
| Greenwich Board of Education | 155 |
Top 10 Districts: Funds Received
| District | Amount Received |
|---|---|
| Stamford Public Schools | $456,209.78 |
| Bridgeport Public Schools | $350,549.83 |
| Fairfield Public Schools | $348,243.33 |
| Hartford Public Schools | $294,871.03 |
| Trumbull Board of Education | $271,462.45 |
| Norwalk Public Schools | $250,665.59 |
| Area Cooperative Educational Services (ACES) | $243,949.88 |
| West Hartford Public Schools | $222,275.83 |
| Southington Public Schools | $220,988.34 |
| Westport Board of Education | $220,314.06 |