Individual Health Insurance Can Be Gender Biased

Would you believe that 95% of individual health insurance companies deny people for health insurance based on their gender? This affects women most of all because they are denied coverage at an alarming rate. According to CBS News story "37 states allow health coverage gender bias," there are only 13 states where it is illegal to practice this 'gender rating'.

Gender rating is simple, men pay less for health insurance coverage than women do. One of the biggest problems with this, other than the fact that it is unfair, is that women are denied because they go to the doctor more. Interviews with many experts point out though that this actually lowers the overall burden of health care costs nationally. By going to see doctors more regularly, women are treated earlier for diseases and avoid some problems altogether.

Health insurance companies don't seem to appreciate this though. Prevention magazine is publishing an article about this gender rating in their December issue. They found that women tend to pay 84% more for health insurance than men. For those who are unemployed or cannot obtain employer health insurance for some reason, Charter Oak Health Plan is an option for affordable health insurance coverage. If you are a woman who questions your health insurance quote based on gender, see if you are in one of the 13 states where gender rating is illegal.

Charter Oak Health Plan Premiums Increasing

Health care reform is having effects across the nation including Connecticut where the Charter Oak Health Plan is in trouble. Over 9500 people enrolled in the state run plan will see their premiums increase by around 45% according to the article "Subsidy Cuts Boost Charter Oak Health Plan Premiums" by Arielle Levin Becker on CTMirror.org. Rates could increase by upwards of 67% starting September 1st for some members since the state is cutting some subsidies that go towards this important program.

Rate increases are being caused by a few factors. Health care claims are up causing problems and in addition to this, state officials are trying to be more strict with the state budget. David Dearborn, a spokesperson for the state Department of Social Services, says that since 2008 when the plan was started, it attracted mostly older members with more chronic health care problems which ultimately leads to higher costs and increased premiums. Currently, Charter Oak Health Plan has over 9700 members and around $5000 of them will see their rates increase from $307 to $446 this September.

Health Insurance Pooling in Connecticut

The Connecticut Senate gave approval to the passage of a bill this week that allows municipalities and other nonprofit groups to join the state employees health insurance pool. This new plan does not include a public option and it does not offer health care to everyone.

This stirs up some controversy over the new legislation. Senator Terry Gerratana says the supporters of the new bill are involved in the process, but the legislation does not enact an insurance product even though the bill had been envisioned as some type of universal health plan. It's not providing health care exactly, but it's working towards that goal.

Gerratana points out that Connecticut already has a public option plan in place called the Charter Oak Health Plan, which was orchestrated by the former Governor M. Jodi Rell. This particular plan aims to cover families in need, but it isn't perfect. Legislators continue to work towards finding a plan that will meet the needs of as many Connecticut residents as possible and ensure everyone has access to affordable health insurance coverage.

Connecticut Health Insurance for Children

Many are aware of Connecticut's affordable Charter Oak Health Plan for residents, but not everyone knows about their special plan for children called Healthcare for Uninsured Kids and Youth (HUSKY).

Connecticut's HUSKY plan offers a full health insurance plan option for youth up to age 19 regardless of their family's income. HUSKY pays for physician visits, drug prescriptions, vision, dental care and much more. The HUSKY Plus plan has additional services for kids with special needs and the Connecticut Behavioral Health Partnership offers mental health and substance abuse treatment.

If you enroll your child in HUSKY, you'll be able to choose your physician, and other participating medical providers. For many families HUSKY is very low cost and often times free. Even families with high incomes can get HUSKY health care at group rates.

HUSKY serves over 241,000 children and they work hard to serve deserving families. They provide health coverage for parents, relative caregivers, and pregnant women as well. They pride themselves on very friendly customer service and are available to answer any questions you may have. More states should have a plan as comprehensive as this for resident children.

Health Insurance for All Incomes and Ages

Health care reform intends to ensure everyone has some form of affordable health insurance, but until then companies are stuggling to find a way to ensure everyone. Charter Oak Health Plan is a unique example of a health insurer working for the people.

One of the big debates going on in Washington currently is whether or not health insurance is believed to be a privilege or a right. It's definitely a necessity and Charter Oak recognizes this for the people of Connecticut. Many residents, including small businesses, people in between jobs, recent graduates, and early retirees felt affordable health insurance was unattainable. Charter Oak Health Plan is hoping to change that through offering health insurance to all incomes and ages.

Since 2008, Charter Oak has been working hard to serve the people of Connecticut. Those who struggle to find affordable health insurance, or any health coverage at all can turn to Charter Oak for help. They offer coverage to many adults struggling with financial hardships and cannot afford to pay for non-group premiums on their own. This is refreshing in an economic environment leaving many Americans feeling stressed and lacking proper health care coverage.

Charter Oak Health Plan Behavioral Health

It's important that your health plan offer some type of behavioral health benefit. You never know when you or a family member will need such services and ensuring you have coverage can give you the peace of mind that you will have options.

Charter Oak Health Plan has an outstanding behavioral health plan. Their program offers top quality coverage for mental health and substance abuse issues for plan members. The providers are educated counselors and therapists who can offer great help towards treatment. You do not need a referral and many services are offered.

Some examples of their services include outpatient treatment, medication management, intensive outpatient, adult day treatment, partial hospitalization, hospital stays, and extra support services. Charter Oak Health Plan make peer specialists available to help members get more information about the variety of services, walk you through the application process and give the support and advice you need towards effective treatment and care. If you think this type of benefit would be valuable for you and your family, research what your health care provider offers in your benefits package.