Connecticut Begins Enrollment In Charter Oak Health Plan For Low-Income Residents

Main Category: Health Insurance / Medical Insurance
Article Date: 03 Jul 2008 - 9:00 PST

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Connecticut officials on Monday launched a new health insurance program, called the Charter Oak Health Plan, that is expected to expand coverage to 19,200 uninsured adults in its first year, the Hartford Courant reports. State residents ages 19 to 65 who do not qualify for existing state health insurance programs and are not insured through an employer are eligible for the plan, as well as those paying high premiums through private insurance, such as COBRA. Residents also must be uninsured for at least six months to qualify for the plan (Somma, Hartford Courant, 7/1).

Monthly premiums will be between $75 and $259, with subsidies available for residents who have incomes below 300% of the federal poverty level. Copayments will be $25 for primary care office visits and $35 for specialist visits. Preventive care visits will be fully covered by the state, and deductibles for inpatient hospital treatment, outpatient surgical and inpatient rehabilitation and skilled nursing will range from $150 to $900 for an individual. Beneficiaries also will be required to contribute 10% of hospital bills, and annual coverage will be capped at $100,000. No dental or vision coverage is included (Haigh, AP/Long Island Newsday, 7/1).

About 47,200 people are expected to enroll in the program in the first three years. Residents began applying for coverage under the program on Monday and benefits are expected to begin as early as Aug. 1. Plans will be offered by Aetna Better Health, AmeriChoice of Connecticut and Community Health Network of Connecticut (Hartford Courant, 7/1).

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