CT Health Reform
CT Health Insurance Advisory Council hearing
Three of the four speakers at yesterday’s public hearing testified in favor of SB-957, An Act Establishing a Health Insurance Advisory Council. The Council’s mission is to advise the insurance department and “examine ways to ensure effective review by the Insurance Department of health insurance rates, ensure the affordability of health insurance in this state…
Read MoreCT exchange hire for call center has troubled history with the state
CT’s health insurance exchange has hired Maximus to provide the critical call center service for the new marketplace. Consumers with questions about the confusing new landscape — seeking help applying for programs, figuring out which plan is right for them, trouble navigating the website, etc. — will be directed to this call center. An article…
Read MoreExchange update: HUSKY parents at risk, out of network standard plan costs alarming
Public testimony before yesterday’s CT Health Insurance Exchange Board centered on the administration’s proposal to cut eligibility for HUSKY parents over 133% of the federal poverty level (currently $25,975 for family of three) saving the state $3 million in FY 14 and $30 million (net) the next year. The proposal assumes those families will purchase…
Read MorePositive active purchasing hearing
Fifteen of the nineteen testimonies for yesterday’s Insurance Committee public hearing on SB-596 were in favor of active purchasing. Proponents included the State Comptroller, State Health Care Advocate, small business and community groups, brokers, labor, patient safety, legal aid, consumer and faith-based groups. Opponents included CBIA, the HMO Association, NFIB, and the Exchange staff. The…
Read MoreCT still earns a C+ on reform
Connecticut health care thought leaders give our state a C+ on health reform again this winter; grades have varied between C and C+ over the last year. Connecticut also again earned a C+ for effort in this survey. Among issue areas only Medicaid improved since last Fall. Five areas lost ground particularly health information technology…
Read MoreExchange Board approves expensive standard benefit plan
At today’s meeting the CT Health Insurance Exchange Board unanimously approved an admittedly unaffordable standard benefit plan. The plans include costs up to hospital (inpatient and out) deductibles $4,000, copays of $30 for primary care visits (not for preventive care – that is not allowed under the ACA), $45 for specialists, and $500 for outpatient…
Read MoreBills filed to fix insurance exchange and strengthen premium rate review
Sen. Joe Crisco, Co-Chair of the Insurance and Real Estate Committee, has filed bills to protect consumers in health reform. An Act Concerning the Duties of the CT Health Insurance Exchange directs the exchange to actively negotiate premiums with insurers on behalf of consumers. Other states are using negotiation to keep premiums more affordable. An…
Read MoreCT Insurance Exchange standard plan proposal too expensive for consumers
The draft standard plan proposal for the CT Health Insurance Exchange includes copays of $40 to $45 for a physician visit (CT 2011 average $23.79), $150 ER copays, and deductibles up to $3,000 for individuals and $6,000 for families (CT 2011 average $1,331 and $2,500 respectively). Better, more affordable plans are currently available in CT…
Read MoreFive large CT insurers interested in exchange
Aetna, Anthem, ConnectiCare, HealthyCT (the new nonprofit co-op plan), and United all sent letters of intent to the CT Health Insurance Exchange signaling their intent to participate. The other large insurer in the state, CIGNA, does not participate in CT’s individual market, according to exchange staff. Harvard Pilgrim did not submit a letter, but may…
Read MoreJanuary webquiz – CT Medicaid primary care rate increases
Test your knowledge of CT Medicaid rates compared to Medicare and how much they will rise under the Affordable Care Act. Take the January CT Health Policy Project webquiz.
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