Governor Lamont Announces Covered Connecticut Expands to Adults Without Children and New Benefits Added to No-Fee Health Insurance Program

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01/07/2022

Governor Lamont Announces Covered Connecticut Expands to Adults Without Children and New Benefits Added to No-Fee Health Insurance Program

The program is funded by the State of Connecticut and administered by the Department of Social Services

(HARTFORD, CT) – Governor Ned Lamont – joined by Access Health CT, the Connecticut Department of Social Services and the Connecticut Office of Health Strategy – today announced that additional Connecticut residents are now eligible for the Covered Connecticut program and that new benefits have been added. Originally launched in July 2021, the program provides free health insurance to more than 800 parents and caregivers across the state who meet all eligibility requirements.

Starting today, adults without children who meet the income eligibility criteria can now enroll in the program. Additionally, the program now also offers dental coverage and non-emergency medical transportation (NEMT) benefits.

“Health care is a human right that too many Connecticut residents struggle to afford,” Governor Lamont said. “Starting today, nearly 40,000 people will be able to benefit from free, high-quality health care delivered through our groundbreaking Covered Connecticut program, which leverages all available federal funding and expertise from our state agencies, the health insurance market, and hometown employers. to increase access to care. This program — like our recent expansion of Medicaid coverage for pregnant women and new mothers — is yet another way we’re keeping Connecticut affordable.

In addition to paying the customer’s portion of the monthly payment (premium) directly to their insurance company (Anthem or ConnectiCare), Covered Connecticut also pays cost-sharing amounts (deductibles, co-pay, co-insurance, and maximum out -of- out-of-pocket expenses) that clients would typically have to pay with a health insurance plan.

Covered Connecticut is administered by the Connecticut Department of Social Services.

Connecticut residents can find out if they are eligible for the program by completing an application at AccessHealthCT.com, where they can also find help and register online. Registration is also available in person or by phone. Customers who meet the eligibility requirements can apply at any time. Enrollment is not limited to the annual Access Health CT open enrollment period for health insurance. Cover begins on the first day of the month following enrollment. For example, if a person enrolls on July 5, their coverage begins on August 1.

“Covered Connecticut provides parents, caregivers and single adults who earn too much to qualify for HUSKY, but not enough to afford health insurance directly through Access Health CT, the funds needed to close the gap between what they can afford and the premiums and out of pocket costs of our available health insurance plans,” Department of Social Services Commissioner Deidre Gifford said. “We give people the opportunity and peace of mind that they don’t have to choose between having health insurance or paying for groceries utilities, or other day-to-day living expenses. We don’t want residents to have to choose between seeking the medical care they need and putting food on their table. By providing this assistance, we can reduce the number of uninsured and underinsured people in our state, which benefits everyone in the long run. »

“Covered Connecticut will have a tremendous impact on eligible Connecticut residents by providing free medical coverage,” Victoria Veltri, executive director of the Office of Health Strategy, said. “The new program requirements include dental coverage and non-emergency medical transportation benefits for patients, which is fundamental to improving the quality and access to comprehensive health care in our state. The Office of Health Strategy will continue to work with our partner agencies, insurance companies and community organizations to provide outreach and education services to residents about the program to ensure our eligible residents can enroll. as easily and as soon as possible.

“We encourage people to visit AccessHealthCT.com to see if they are eligible for Covered Connecticut,” James Michel, CEO of Access Health CT, said. “Residents who qualify don’t have to wait until the open enrollment period to apply – they can do so today.”

To be eligible, Connecticut residents must have a household income up to 175% of the federal poverty level and not be eligible for HUSKY Health/Medicaid based on income; be eligible for financial assistance, including advance premium tax credits and cost-sharing reductions; and use 100% of the financial aid available to them. They must also be enrolled in a silver-level health insurance plan.

Federal Table of Poverty Level:

For free online help, residents should visit AccessHealthCT.com. Live chat is available by clicking the “live chat” icon to connect with a real-time customer service representative. Live chat is available Monday through Friday from 8:00 a.m. to 3:45 p.m.

For free in-person assistance, residents can work with a Certified Broker or Enrollment Specialist in their community. To find a Certified Broker or Listing Specialist, visit the Get Help webpage at AccessHealthCT.com/get-help.

Additionally, residents can visit any of the Access Health CT Centers Browser Partner Locations:

• Access to the New Haven projectlocated at 63 York Street in New Haven (Open Monday through Friday 8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.)
• Community Renewal Teamlocated at 330 Market Street in Hartford (Open Monday through Friday 8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.)

Residents can also contact the call center at 1-855-805-4325Monday to Friday from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. People who are deaf or hard of hearing can use the TTY at 1-855-789-2428 or call with an operator relay.

Twitter: @GouvNedLamont

Facebook: Office of Governor Ned Lamont