A look at Access Health CT's role in federal health reform

Access Health CT is working, under federal health reform regulations toward becoming a new option to select and enroll in a medical insurance plan. Open Enrollment for Individuals and Small Employers in Conn begins October 1st for coverage effective January 1, 2014. Some information:

● The media campaign to increase awareness of this new option is now underway.

● Residents, as part of the enrollment process on the Individual part of Access Health CT site, may qualify for premium support. This support is based on income and is technically a tax credit. Information on the income range can be seen here.

● The page on the above link includes a calculator. By entering income information it will show what your share of the monthly premium will be.

● This pdf summary highlights 10 points about the Access Health CT program.

● Small businesses will be able to go to the Small Business Health Options Program or “SHOP” part of Access Health CT. Some information can be seen here.

● Certain small employers may be eligible for a tax credit to offset part of the expense of their medical benefit plan. In 2013 any small employer can apply for a tax credit of up to a 35%. This changes to 50% in 2014 and is only available if the firm selects a plan through the SHOP part of Access Health CT.
Note: The maximum credit is only be available if an employer has 10 or fewer employees, excluding the owner, and the average salary for these employees is $25,000 or less. The credit drops quickly and is not available to firms with 25 or more employees or if the employee average salary is $50,000 or higher.

Contact me - (860) 451-9793 - if questions about Access Health CT or the medical plans for Individuals or Small Employers, which are anticipated to be available.

John C Parker, RHU, LTCP
Niantic CT

Employers in Conn required to provide, by Oct. 1, all employees a letter on federal health reform

Federal health reform includes a requirement for all employers to notify their full and part time employees about the coming availability of the Health Insurance Marketplace. Here in Conn our Marketplace is known as Access Health CT. Information is available here.

Model letters on what is to be included in the letters was issued by the federal Department of Labor in early May. One letter is for employees who currently have medical insurance from their employer. The second is for employees who do not have employer provided medical insurance.

Note: Even though model letters were issued some of my professional association contacts in Washington DC indicate the letters may be changed. Then too, it is normally more effective to communicate to employees close to the time they can do something so it may be best to wait.

Call today if any questions on the federal requirement to notify employees about health reform. (860) 451-9793


In regard of Access Health CT. Four health insurance companies have submitted an application to become a Qualified Health Plan and offer medical insurance plans to individuals here in Conn. Aetna, Anthem BC & BS of CT, ConnectiCare, and HealthyCT. HealthyCT is a new type of health insurance company created by federal health reform, which is called a Consumer Operated and Oriented Plan (CO-OP). Here is some info on the Conn CO-OP. started by the Connecticut State Medical Society.