News
Governor Rell celebrates Charter Oak success in a visit to Norwalk
By Governor Rell's office
Jul 18, 2008 - 2:07:35 PM

Governor M. Jodi Rell today visited the Norwalk Community Health Center (NCHC) to celebrate the early public response to her Charter Oak Health Plan initiative and highlight the critical role that facilities such as NCHC are playing in the overall health care system for Connecticut residents.

“So far, we have received more than 11,000 inquiries and over 3,600 applications – with more on the way every day,” Governor Rell said. “And the e-mails and other comments we are getting are very moving. People are telling us – over and over – how grateful they are for Charter Oak and what a difference they expect it to make in their lives.

“That is one of the main reasons why I came to Norwalk,” the Governor said. “Since NCHC opened its doors in 1999 it has been providing vital primary care services to a wide range of patients. It now serves about 8,300 people a year over the course of about 30,000 patient visits. Places like NCHC – and their counterparts in schools – have become a vital link in the network that provides health care in Connecticut.

“This is especially true for patients who have historically had the hardest time paying for health care, usually because they didn’t have – or didn’t have access to – health insurance. That is where Charter Oak comes in,” Governor Rell said. “For the first time, people who have never before been able to access affordable, dependable health coverage will be able to get it.

“What does this mean for patients at NCHC? It means no longer having to worry about how to pay when they are referred to specialists or other clinical services. It means access to health care for more than just emergencies. And it means medical problems can be treated when they begin – not ignored or endured until a trip to the emergency room is required. Quite simply, it means better health for our residents and for their families – and better peace of mind, too.”

The Department of Social Services reported to Governor Rell today that the Charter Oak customer service center had received 3,612 applications and 11,085 calls through close of business Thursday.

The Charter Oak Health Plan is the first health plan in the nation for the uninsured that does not require income limits, employer mandates or individual mandates. Individual premiums range from $75 to $259 and annual deductibles range from $150 to $900, depending on the enrollee’s household income.

Governor Rell reminded the public that the Charter Oak Health Plan’s free hotline, 1-877-77-CTOAK (1-877-772-8625) is open from 9 a.m. to 8 p.m. Mondays through Thursdays, from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. on Fridays and from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Saturdays. More information and the Charter Oak application can be found at www.charteroakhealthplan.com 24 hours a day.

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