Charter Oak Program Moving Forward

January 10, 2008

The state Department of Social Services on Thursday, January 3 released a request for proposals for the Charter Oak Health Plan, which is designed to provide health insurance for as little as $75 a month and as much as $250 for those earning higher incomes.

First proposed by Gov. M. Jodi Rell last year, the plan will cover adults of all incomes who don´t have medical benefits through work and don´t qualify for the state's HUSKY plan, Medicaid or Medicare. The plan does not exclude those with pre-existing health conditions.

The state has set aside $11 million for fiscal year 2009 to subsidize the plan, which is expected to begin July 1 of this year.

The plan includes a prescription drug benefit, laboratory, X-ray and other diagnostics available with 20 percent co-pay, and co-pays for prenatal, postnatal and preventive care.

Based on comments and concerns from advocates and state legislators at the Dec. 5 forum, DSS Commissioner Michael P. Starkowski increased the annual pharmacy cap from $2,500 to $7,500 and durable medical equipment benefits from $2,000 to $4,000, Rell´s office said Thursday.

National and state insurance companies are expected to submit proposals and bids for the plan through March 14.

The plan´s request for proposals can be viewed at www.ct.gov/dss/charteroak or through the state´s contracting portal

Please feel free to e-mail any questions, comments or concerns. We will continue to update you as more information becomes available.

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