Governor Rell Announces 1,000 Residents

Now Eligible for Charter Oak Health Plan

Governor M. Jodi Rell today announced that more than 1,000 Connecticut residents are now eligible for the state’s Charter Oak Health Plan, two months after the program’s launch.

 “These 1,000 citizens can now begin receiving affordable health coverage through this voluntary program and more uninsured adults are signing up every day,” Governor Rell said.  “We are genuinely helping citizens who could not otherwise obtain affordable coverage – either because of cost or because they have a pre-existing medical condition, or both.”

As of August 28, the Charter Oak Health Plan had approved eligibility for 1,160 Connecticut residents. More than 400 had already enrolled in a Charter Oak-affiliated health plan, including over 300 whose health coverage takes effect today, September 1.

As an example, the Governor cited a Charter Oak applicant with chronic illness who needed treatment in early September. The program was able to enroll the applicant in time for her treatment to be covered.

“This is just one of many examples of how Charter Oak is making a tremendous difference in our residents’ lives. Those of us who are fortunate enough to have health coverage already should never forget how difficult, even terrifying, life can be without it,” the Governor said.

The Charter Oak Health Plan serves uninsured adults, aged 19 through 64, of any income, regardless of pre-existing medical conditions.  Monthly premiums range from $75 to $259, depending on income.  Consumer information is available at www.charteroakhealthplan.com or 1-877-77CTOAK.

Specific Charter Oak enrollment numbers through August 28:

·        1,160 CT residents are now eligible for Charter Oak (determined eligible after the application process).

·        402 of the above number are currently enrolled with a Charter Oak insurer.  Breakdown:

·        39 individuals became enrolled as of August 1 (active health coverage began on that date);

·        305 individuals are enrolled as of September 1 (will have active health coverage on that date;  and

·        58 individuals are enrolled as October 1 (will have active health coverage on that date). 

·        196 applicants have been referred for eligibility determination in other Department of Social Services health care programs.

·        74 either denied or closed due to voluntary termination request.

·        Over 9,200 applications received, with eligibility processing underway.