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.

Connecticut Health Plan

Andrea Bryant became the first person in the state to apply for Connecticut's new, affordable health care plan.

Bryant filled out an application Monday morning for Connecticut health insurance coverage under the Charter Oak Health Plan. The plan is open to those who don't qualify for existing state programs and aren't insured through an employer. Individual health insurance premiums will range from $75 a month to as high as $259 a month.

Charter Oak enrollments open today, and the state expects to serve a projected 19,200 adults during the first year, rising to 47,200 in its third year. The state is contracting with three private insurers — Aetna Better Health, AmeriChoice of Connecticut and Community Health Network of Connecticut — to coordinate benefits and medical providers.

Anthem of CT to raise rates for Seniors

Senior citizens in Connecticut who buy health insurance from Anthem Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Connecticut may face premium increases next year averaging 5.7% on standardized medicare supplement policies and 1.4% on older policies under the company's proposals.

Anthem filed proposed rates Monday with the Connecticut Insurance Department for Medicare supplements, which seniors often buy to pay for portions of their medical bills that Medicare doesn't cover, such as hospital deductibles.

The proposed increases, which would take effect Jan. 1, are subject to regulators' approval and a public hearing will be scheduled.

UnitedHealth Group also recently proposed rate increases for Medicare supplements it sells through AARP. Its increases would average 6% on standardized Medicare supplement plans.