Connecticut’s new, affordable health plan kicks off

The Charter Oak Health Plan has its first member.

Andrea Bryant, a 57-year old waitress from Manchester was the first member of the state’s new health coverage initiative. The program is open to those who don’t qualify for existing programs and are not insured by an employer.

Rates for the plan range from $75 to $259 a month. Bryant, who has been without health insurance for two years, can now go to the doctor when services begin as early as August 1. Charter Oak is open to adults 19 through 65 years old, as well as those who are paying high premiums through private insurance.

While the plan was proposed in December of 2006, it was criticized for not covering ailments such as diabetes and AIDS.

The state expects the program to service over 19,000 residents in its first year and over 47,000 by its third year. Three private insurers are contracting Charter Oak with the state – Aetna Better Health, AmeriChoice of Connecticut and Community Health Network of Connecticut.