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Access Health Reform Plans Connecticut

This post has some information about the Access Health Reform Plans Connecticut.  Access Health is the administrator of health reform plans through the Exchange in Connecticut.  They administer as well as oversee the enrollment process for those applying for a health reform plan through the health exchange. (Also known as Obama Care) Anyone can apply for insurance through the exchange but not all people are eligible for a premium subsidy.

This post will provide an overview of health reform plans, the enrollment process and premium subsidies in Connecticut. Please note this information is only applicable to Connecticut and is not applicable to any other state.

If you need a quote, want to enroll or have questions not addressed in this blog CLICK HERE   or call us at 203-796-5403

Health Exchange Plans – Important Things To Know

• Three companies participate in the Individual Exchange. They are Anthem BCBS, Conneticare and Healthy CT.
• You must go through the Access Health Website in order to apply for a plan through the exchange.   www.accesshealthct.com
• Premium subsidies are available to those that make below the income thresholds.  Premium subsidy simply means the Government/state will pay a portion of your monthly premium.
• These premium subsidies are only available to those on the Exchange
• The lower the applicants 2014 income, the higher the monthly subsidy they will receive. (Rates are based on your 2014 income)
• If income falls below minimum levels, the applicant and/or dependents may be placed on Husky A,B,C or D

Network Information

• The networks for the plans participating are NOT the same as their networks off the exchange.  For example:  You can not assume you doctor participates with Anthem on the Exchange just because he/she participated with Anthem off the Exchange.
• The Husky A and B network (Children enroll in A and B) has many more providers than Husky C and D (Adults enroll in C and D)

Enrollment Information

• You must apply through the Access Health website in order to apply for a plan on the exchange.
• Married couples must file a joint return in order to be eligible for a subsidy.
• Income will be verified in 2015.  If you under report your income, you may need to either pay back a portion or all of the income subsidy that you receive during the year.

If you need a quote, want to enroll or have questions not addressed in this blog either CLICK HERE ,  call us at 203-796-5403 or email us at Edward@croweandassociates.com.

Applying For Health Insurance In Connecticut

This post will give you information about Applying For Health Insurance In Connecticut.  Connecticut residents that do not have access to health insurance through an employer have two choices to obtain Care.  They can either apply for coverage through the health exchange or they can apply with an insurance company outside of the exchange.   Which option is better?  It depends on your specific situation but the following points below should help guide you.

Applying on the Exchange-

Applying through the Exchange is the only way to determine if you are eligible for a premium subsidy.   Subsidies are not available outside of the exchange.  In Connecticut, Access Health runs the exchange.  They run the application website, determine subsidy levels as well as send enrollment information to the carriers.   The Exchange will determine the amount you receive for your premium subsidy by using your annual 2014 Adjusted Gross Income as a base.  The income level increases for every additional family member.  For Example, a single person making $50,000 a year is not eligible for a subsidy but if they have a spouse and the total family income is $50,000 they would be eligible.  Pre-existing health conditions are not taken into consideration when applying.

Applying off the Exchange- 

A number of companies offer plans off the exchange such as Aetna, Connecticare, Anthem BCBS, United Healthcare and Cigna.  Premium subsidies are not available off the exchange. Medical underwriting is not allowed which means they can not decline someone or raise a persons rates due to poor health.   In general the rates off the exchange are similar to the rates on the exchange. However, the on exchange rates are dramatically lower for those that qualify for a premium subsidy.   One advantage of applying off the exchange is that it provides access to a larger physician network.

If you would like help with a quote or applying on or off the exchange, please give us a call at 203-796 5403  or by email at Edward@croweandassociates.com.  We do not charge any type of fee for the service.   Your rates will not change if you decide to work with us.

Health Reform Companies Connecticut

This post will give you some information about Health Reform Companies Connecticut.  There are three companies participating with the health exchange in Connecticut as of January 1, 2014.  They are as follows,  Anthem BlueCross BlueShield, Connecticare as well as Healthy CT.   Anthem and Connecticare have both been operating in Connecticut for many years.  Healthy CT is a new not for profit that is run by the State of Connecticut.

All three companies offer Bronze, Silver as well as Gold plans in the state of Connecticut. Because the benefits these companies offer are standardized by the insurance industry, they  must all have consistent plan designs. This helps  to make your decision a little easier. You just have to see which arrier offers the best pricing and used the providers you prefer .  There has been some discussion about Platinum level plans but they are not available in Connecticut this year.  Although United Healthcare does not participate in the individual exchange,  they are available through the small groups exchange however.  (Small Group Exchange is called SHOP Exchange)

Access Health operates The Connecticut Exchange.   They also operate the website that clients use in order to apply for the plans.  Access Health will also determine if applicants are eligible for a subsidy to help them pay for their coverage.

CLICK HERE TO LEARN MORE ABOUT HEALTH INSURANCE ON AND OFF THE EXCHANGE IN CT

If you have any questions, you may either email our office at Edward@Croweandassociates.com or call us at 203-796-5403.  We are here to help you make the right choice for your insurance needs.  Each person has  both different financial as well as health care needs.  Crowe and Associates wants to make you feel confident with your choice of health care options.