WCHN Supports Health Insurance Exchange Enrollment
It’s no surprise that the Affordable Care Act is prompting many questions as the January 1 implementation date for the insurance exchanges nears.

This is, after all, the first comprehensive reform of the health care system since Medicare and Medicaid were introduced in 1965. The law, among other provisions, expands Medicaid eligibility, establishes Health Insurance Exchanges, removes certain barriers to obtaining coverage such as pre-existing conditions and lifetime limits, and introduces new taxes and penalties to finance the program. It has, as well, triggered new rules and regulations involving many government ages. The fact is this is a seismic change to how health care is delivered and paid for in this country. So where does WCHN fit in?

Over the next two years, many provisions will begin, starting with the introduction of the Health Insurance Exchanges on January 1. Later, in 2014, ICD-10 coding will be required, as well as various subsidies and mandates. Ultimately, the law is designed to strengthen both individual and institutional accountability for the right care at the right place at the right time. And, since that is our mission, we are in a good position to understand what the new law demands of us.

The new law creates, on either the federal or state level, an “organized” marketplace from which consumers can shop and choose a qualified health plan. The State of Connecticut has chosen to run its own exchange for which open enrollment began October 1. This program – called AccessHealth CT – offers coverage for individuals and small businesses at four levels of premium and coverage.

Any health insurance exchange is open to any legal resident, including those who are uninsured, unemployed or underemployed, part-time employees and early retirees. It is not open to Medicare patients (as supplemental) nor to the undocumented.

Our hospitals in Danbury and New Milford have joined the four exchanges in the state, including Anthem, ConnectCare, HealthyCT and United; Western Connecticut Medical Group is in each exchange but Anthem, yet negotiations continue.

As part of our commitment to supporting our State’s efforts to secure health care for everyone, we welcome the opportunity to support the State’s enrollment efforts. We are working directly with AccessHealth CT to ensure that eligible residents in our part of the State have every opportunity to learn about the program, evaluate the options and make a thoughtful enrollment decision.

Coverage under the new insurance exchanges will begin January 1. For more information or for a schedule of local enrollment events visit https://www.accesshealthct.com/AHCT/LandingPageCTHIX

Click here to go back to previous page