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Governor Rowland's Small Employer Health Insurance Subsidy Program:
Complicated and Premature
What is it?
Eligible low-income individuals and families (under $16,391 for
individuals, $27,787 for a family of three) would get state subsidies to
help pay the cost of health insurance from their employers. The costs of
the program will be paid for by benefit cuts and copayments and premiums
on other low-income HUSKY parents. Other states have not been successful
with similar programs.
Will it work?
| Maybe |
Maybe
Not |
| Could reduce the number of uninsured in
CT |
Could increase the number of uninsured
in CT |
| All family members are in the same plan
for up to 5000 families in new program |
Separates parents from children's plan
for up to 20,000 current HUSKY families |
| Reduces the stigma of public coverage
for participants |
Could strengthen current HUSKY stigma |
| Leverages private employer dollars |
Very complex, difficult to administer |
| Unfair eligibility based on employer
offer of benefits through a state-approved purchasing pool, e.g.
CBIA |
Unfair- low-income HUSKY parents pay the
costs of the program |
| Other states have not been successful |
Offers less comprehensive benefit
packages |
What should we do?
| Study the idea further.
Move planning from the small workgroup to a public process
emphasizing consumer input. |
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| Tie HUSKY parents'
benefit cuts and costs to enrollment targets in new program so
low-income parents don't pay for a program that may not work. |
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- Provide consumer and employer supports/education
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- Evaluate the program, collect data
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- Protect consumer rights and privacy
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- Provide wrap around services not included in employer package
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| Consider other options
to help CT's uninsured. |
For more information
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