State to provide $10M in healthcare aid to 7,300 paraeducators

Hartford Business Journal – Thursday, October 23, 2025
By David Krechevsky

The state will distribute $10 million in healthcare assistance to more than 7,300 paraeducators across 160 school districts statewide, providing financial relief to classroom staff struggling with high insurance costs, state Comptroller Sean Scanlon said Thursday.

“Despite the indispensable role paraeducators play in our schools, many struggle to both stay in the field and afford necessities like housing and healthcare,” Scanlon said in a statement. “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.”

The funding builds on a program launched in the 2023-24 state budget that aimed to make health coverage more affordable for paraeducators, who assist teachers and students in classrooms. Since the program’s creation, the Office of the State Comptroller has distributed $15 million to districts to offset healthcare expenses.

Under the latest disbursement, more than 4,300 paraeducators enrolled in high-deductible health plans with health savings accounts will see a nearly 70% reduction in their annual deductible. Another 3,000 paraeducators with traditional, premium-based plans will receive an average 43% discount on their annual premium costs.

Eligible paraeducators will see deposits in their health savings accounts or reduced premiums in the coming weeks.

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