Connecticut is one of six states the U.S. Dept. of Health and Human Services approved to implement a state-based Health Insurance Exchange.
This is part of the federal Affordable Care Act.
“This approval shows that we are continuing to make rapid, concrete progress in bringing about much needed improvements for consumers in our state’s health insurance market,” Lt. Governor Nancy Wyman, Chair of the Exchange’s Board of Directors, said in a news release. “While the majority of states are still grappling with how to move forward with health reform, all Connecticut residents should be encouraged by the progress we have made on this hugely important issue.”
The state previously received $116 million in federal funds to design and build the exchange.
“While other states waited for events such as the Supreme Court ruling or the election to spur action, Connecticut did the right thing and aggressively pushed forward with launching a state based Exchange for its residents,” Gov. Dannel Malloy said in a statement. “To do anything less would have been a disservice to those in our state who don’t have insurance, or struggle to afford the coverage they have.”
States receiving this certification, including Washington, Maryland, Massachusetts, Oregon and Colorado.
Open enrollment begins in nine months.
The Connecticut Health Insurance Exchange is a quasi-public agency funded through federal grants. It has been hosting a series of town hall-style chats for people interested in learning more about the coming Affordable Health Care Act changes.
Three more meetings are scheduled:
- New Britain - Tuesday, Dec. 11: Central Connecticut State University, 1615 Stanley Street, Memorial Hall, Constitution Room
- Stamford - Thursday, Dec. 13: University of Connecticut Stamford, 1 University Place, Gen Re Auditorium
- Bridgeport - Tuesday, Dec. 18; Bridgeport Holiday Inn Hotel & Conference Center, 1070 Main Street, Harbor Ballroom.
