Governor Rell: State Accepting Applications

for Charter Oak Health Plan

Governor Rell’s Landmark Plan Will Serve Connecticut’s Uninsured

Governor M. Jodi Rell today announced that the state is now accepting applications for the Charter Oak Health Plan.  The plan provides affordable health care for Connecticut’s uninsured adults who are too old for HUSKY but too young for Medicare.  It is the first health plan in the nation for the uninsured that does not require income limits, employer mandates or individual mandates.

“For employees of small businesses, people between jobs, young graduates and early retirees, affordable health care has been out of reach,” Governor Rell said.  “The Charter Oak Health Plan changes that dynamic.  People have been crying out for this plan with calls and e-mails to my office asking when Charter Oak will become available.  I am pleased to say that day has finally come. 

“For the first time, Connecticut residents who are not able to get health insurance through their jobs will have access to decent, affordable coverage.  In the absence of a national health policy, Connecticut is stepping up in a big way to cover our uninsured.   Charter Oak is cost effective for both enrollees and taxpayers and meets a critical need for state residents.  I urge all eligible residents to apply as soon as possible.”

The Governor announced that a new toll free hotline, 1-877-77-CTOAK (1-877-772-8625), has been set up for the public to get more information about Charter Oak.  The line will be open from 9 a.m. to 8 p.m. Mondays through Thursdays, from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. on Fridays and from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Saturdays.   More information and applications can be found at www.charteroakhealthplan.com .

Governor Rell proposed the Charter Oak Health Plan in December 2006.  The Charter Oak Health Plan is based on a public-private partnership model that strikes a balance between individual responsibility and government assistance for the lowest-income participants. 

The State of Connecticut is contracting with three private insurers – Aetna Better Health, AmeriChoice of Connecticut and Community Health Network of Connecticut – to coordinate benefits and medical providers.

“When you join Charter Oak, you will select one of these insurers and participating doctors,” Governor Rell said.  “Your monthly premium and annual deductible will depend on your household income.”

Individual premiums will range from $75 to $259 and annual deductibles will range from $150 to $900.  The Governor noted that Charter Oak will cover enrollees with pre-existing medical conditions.

By statute, Charter Oak enrollees cannot have been covered by health insurance during the past six months.  However, applicants can request an exception to this waiting period for such factors as job loss, financial hardship or loss of HUSKY Plan eligibility due to age or income.  Customer service representatives will provide details on requesting an exception.

            “My goal is to make sure that every adult and child in Connecticut has access to health insurance,” Governor Rell said. “Decent health care coverage should not be a privilege available only to those with the ability to pay. The Charter Oak Plan will bring peace of mind to thousands of Connecticut’s families.”