Community Impact UConn Health

February 24, 2026 | Chris DeFrancesco '94 (CLAS)

‘Healthy Rounds’: Medicaid Myths, Keeping CT Families Healthy

Department of Social Services Commissioner Andrea Barton Reeves and Dr. Alessi discuss the impacts of social determinants of health

Department of Social Services Commissioner Andrea Barton Reeves portrait and Dr. Tony Alessi candid at microphone in studio

Department of Social Services Commissioner Andrea Barton Reeves joins Dr. Anthony Alessi on his “Healthy Rounds” podcast at UConn Health. (file photos)

"Healthy Rounds Podcast with Dr. Anthony Alessi, UConn Health" graphic with portrait of Dr. Alessi
Dr. Anthony Alessi’s “Healthy Rounds” radio program is now a UConn Health podcast. (Tina Encarnacion/ UConn Health photo)

Recognizing and addressing social determinants of health can have a great impact on our overall well-being. That also goes for the people who are responsible for the care of others, be it their children or an aging or sick relative. Connecticut has a number of services and programs available to help, and Department of Social Services Commissioner Andrea Barton Reeves joins Dr. Anthony Alessi to explain them, clear up misconceptions around some of these programs, and discuss some of the challenges around social services in 2026.

Just because you need Medicaid and SNAP doesn’t mean that you don’t deserve dignity. — Andrea Barton Reeves

Commissioner Barton Reeves recently joined the UConn Heath Board of Directors.

Listen now:

Bonus Episode (added March 3):

Submit questions for “Healthy Rounds” to HealthyRounds@uchc.edu.

Support comes from UConn Health Orthopedics and Sports Medicine and Coverys.