House Republican Press Release

 

 

 

July 10, 2008

Press Office: 860-240-8700

 

Rep. D’Amelio: New State Health Care Plan Available for Uninsured Residents

 

Charter Oak Health Plan Open to Uninsured CT Residents without Income Limits 

Middlebury and Waterbury residents who lack health insurance can now apply for the state’s new Charter Oak Health Plan, which provides affordable coverage for uninsured Connecticut residents regardless of income, state Representative Anthony J. D’Amelio said today. 

“At a time when many residents whose employers do not offer health insurance are finding it difficult or impossible to pay for it on their own because of high gasoline and heating oil costs, and rising electricity and natural gas rates, the state has begun offering the Charter Oak Health Plan, which gives individuals and families the opportunity to obtain coverage at a cost they can afford, regardless of income,” said Representative D’Amelio, R-71st District. “If you are a Middlebury or Waterbury resident who is currently uninsured or underinsured, I strongly recommend that you look into the Charter Oak Health Plan.”

The plan provides affordable health care for uninsured adults who are too old for the HUSKY plan, but too young to qualify for Medicare.  It is the first health plan in the nation for the uninsured that does not involve income limits, employer mandates or individual mandates, Representative D’Amelio said.

Residents interested in obtaining coverage under the Charter Oak Health Plan and want more information about it should call the state’s toll-free hotline at 1-877-77-CTOAK or 1-877-772-8625. 

The line is open from 9 a.m. to 8 p.m. Monday through Thursday; from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. on Fridays; and Saturdays from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Additional information and the Charter Oak Health Plan application also is available at www.charteroakhealthplan.com 24 hours a day.

The plan is a public-private partnership that strikes a balance between individual responsibility and government assistance for the lowest-income participants.  Individual premiums range from $75 to $259, Co-pays are $25 for routine visits to the doctor and $35 for visits to a specialist, and annual deductibles range from $150 to $900.