House Republican Press Release

 

 

 

February 20, 2007

Press Office: 860-240-8700

 

Danielson Agent Testifies on Rep. Michael Caron’s Bill

 

David Cafro Tells Legislators that Local Insurance Professionals Can Help Reduce Uninsured

Says Insurance Agents Could Sign Up Low-Income Residents for Health Coverage

 

Insurance agents can help the state sign up eligible families for the Connecticut’s low-income health insurance program and reduce the number of uninsured people in the state.  

That was the message of Danielson insurance agent David Cafro, testifying recently before the legislature’s Insurance and Real Estate Committee.

 

Applicants to the state Healthcare for Uninsured Kids and Youth (HUSKY) now must contact the state Department of Social Services in order to apply for the program. Eligibility is based on family size and family income.

 

“We are a group of experienced and accessible professionals who are willing to seek out, review and process HUSKY applicants in the normal course of our daily routines,” Cafro said. “It is estimated that, through our efforts, we may save the state considerably in the expense of enrolling uninsured residents, while providing outreach to the working poor.”

 

He spoke in support of legislation proposed by State Rep. Michael Caron, R-44, Killingly, Plainfield, Sterling, HB 6051, An Act Allowing Insurance Agents to Offer the HUSKY plan.

 

Cafro said, “It makes sense to allow us to partner with the state in this process, and take advantage of our existing distribution network while saving on the cost of providing these services.”

 

He said insurance agencies could help meet Gov. M. Jodi Rell’s goal of enrolling more of Connecticut’s HUSKY-eligible, uninsured constituents. An estimated 223,000 residents are uninsured, he said, but many are eligible for the HUSKY program.

 

Cafro, a certified insurance consultant, owns and operates Medical Insurance Specialists serving businesses and individual residents by evaluating, selling and servicing health insurance coverage.

 

Rep. Caron said he appreciated Cafro’s testimony and hopes insurance agents can play a role in covering more uninsured people with healthcare insurance.

 

Rep. Caron serves the 44th Assembly District of Killingly, Plainfield and Sterling in the state House of Representatives.