Connecticut Requests Proposals For Plan To Cover Uninsured Residents

The Connecticut Departmentof Social Services on Thursday released a request for proposalsby health insurers to administer the Charter Oak Health Plan, whichis designed to provide affordable health coverage for uninsuredresidents who do not have employer-sponsored coverage or qualify forother government-sponsored health programs, the HartfordCourant reports. Health coverage would be available basedon a sliding fee scale, with residents paying between $75 per monthand $250 per month depending on income (Somma, HartfordCourant, 1/4).

Under the proposal, the state wouldwork "with representatives of major managed care providers"to develop a basic health insurance plan for uninsured residentsbetween 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 theCourant, the state has allocated $11 million for fiscalyear 2009 to subsidize the plan, which is expected to begin on July1.

National and state insurance companies are expected tosubmit proposals and bids for the plan through March 14, the Courantreports.

Also on Thursday, Rell's office announced that StateDSS Commissioner Michael Starkowski increased the program's annualpharmacy cap from $2,500 to $7,500 and the durable medical equipmentbenefits cap from $2,000 to $4,000 in response to concerns raisedduring a legislative forum last month (Hartford Courant,1/4).

Reprinted with permission fromkaisernetwork.org.You can view the entire KaiserDaily Health Policy Report, search the archives, andsign up for email delivery at kaisernetwork.org/email. The Kaiser Daily Health Policy Report is published forkaisernetwork.org,a free service of The Henry J. Kaiser Family Foundation.