Connecticut Requests Proposals For Plan To Cover Uninsured Residents

Main Category: Health Insurance / Medical Insurance
Article Date: 08 Jan 2008 - 11:00 PDT

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The Connecticut Department of Social Services on Thursday released a request for proposals by health insurers to administer the Charter Oak Health Plan, which is designed to provide affordable health coverage for uninsured residents who do not have employer-sponsored coverage or qualify for other government-sponsored health programs, the Hartford Courant reports. Health coverage would be available based on a sliding fee scale, with residents paying between $75 per month and $250 per month depending on income (Somma, Hartford Courant, 1/4).

Under the proposal, the state would work "with representatives of major managed care providers" to develop a basic health insurance plan for uninsured residents between ages 19 and 64 that includes full prescription drug benefits, laboratory services and pre and postnatal care, Gov. Jodi Rell (R) said. Copayments for prescription drugs would be between $10 and $15, and diagnostic services would be available for 20% coinsurance (Kaiser Daily Health Policy Report, 1/3/07). According to the Courant, the state has allocated $11 million for fiscal year 2009 to subsidize the plan, which is expected to begin on July 1.

National and state insurance companies are expected to submit proposals and bids for the plan through March 14, the Courant reports.

Also on Thursday, Rell's office announced that State DSS Commissioner Michael Starkowski increased the program's annual pharmacy cap from $2,500 to $7,500 and the durable medical equipment benefits cap from $2,000 to $4,000 in response to concerns raised during a legislative forum last month (Hartford Courant, 1/4).

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