Connecticut Health Care Programs

Under a law passed by the Connecticut legislature in 2007 and modified in 2008, and now under the federal Affordable Health Care Act, young adults may now be covered on their parents’ insurance policy until they turn 26. More information is available from the state Insurance Department in their PDF titled “Health Care Reform Frequently Asked Questions”.

Connecticut also has a number of programs in place to provide health care to people without insurance. These programs are administered by the state Department of Social Services (DSS).

HUSKY

Children of any income are eligible for health care through the state’s HUSKY programs. Depending on income, there may be some cost. Additionally, low- and middle-income parents and other relative caregivers may be eligible for health care in Connecticut’s HUSKY A program. Over 400,000 people receive health care through the HUSKY A and B programs.

Low Income Adult (LIA) Program

Connecticut residents with very low incomes may be eligible to receive health care through the state’s LIA Program, formerly known as State-Administered General Assistance (SAGA). This care is coordinated through a network of 14 federally-qualified health centers (FQHCs) located throughout Connecticut. Download a PDF of a LIA Program brochure.

To find 13 of the 14 FQHCs, use the Community Health Center Association of Connecticut’s “Find a Health Center” Web site. If you live in the Meriden/Middletown area, visit the Community Health Center, Inc. Web site.

Charter Oak Health Plan

Uninsured state residents ages 19–64 who are not eligible for either the HUSKY or LIA programs may be eligible for the Charter Oak Health Plan. Though Charter Oak offers a limited benefit package, people with preexisting medical conditions are not excluded. Individuals are asked to pay premiums (ranging from $25 to $307 per month) based on their income. In addition to the premiums, people in Charter Oak must also pay co-insurance, co-payments and various deductibles (ranging from $150 to $1750).

For Others

Finally, Connecticut has a high-risk pool to help individuals who are priced out of the individual, commercial health insurance market due to preexisting medical conditions or for other reasons. This program is run by the Connecticut Reinsurance Association.