House Republican Press Release

July 8, 2008

Press Office: 860-240-8700

Rep. Hovey: New State Healthcare Plan Available for Local Residents

State Rep. DebraLee Hovey (R-Monroe, Newtown) today reminded area residents that the state is accepting applications for the Charter Oak Health Plan.  The plan provides affordable health care for Connecticut’s uninsured adults who are too old for HUSKY but too young for Medicare.  It is the first health plan in the nation for the uninsured that does not require income limits, employer mandates or individual mandates.

A toll free hotline, 1-877-77-CTOAK (1-877-772-8625),  is in place for the public to get more information about Charter Oak.  The line is open from 9 a.m. to 8 p.m. Mondays through Thursdays, from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. on Fridays and from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Saturdays. Additional information and the Charter Oak application can be found at www.charteroakhealthplan.com 24 hours a day.

The state began accepting applications for the plan on June 30. It is based on a public-private partnership model that strikes a balance between individual responsibility and government assistance for the lowest-income participants.  Individual premiums will range from $75 to $259 and annual deductibles will range from $150 to $900.  

“Lack of health insurance remains a major problem for many people in our area,” said Rep. Hovey. “The state plan is a unique opportunity for insurance coverage that I urge people who are uninsured or underinsured to check into.”