 Image: State Symbols USA |
It may not receive the publicity of other early reform adopters like Massachusetts, but Connecticut health insurance companies–as well as the government–have been ahead of the nation in enacting strategies to increase access while cutting costs.
Recently, they created the Connecticut Clearinghouse as an online health insurance market that allows consumers to better compare their options. The state also enacted healthcare reform (similar to the federal bill) that forces insurers to offer more transparency to consumers when buying. Small businesses are also now allowed to buy prescription drugs for their employees through the discounted plan for public employees.
In addition, Connecticut now requires coverage parity for cancer medications: oral medications will be covered as fully as those administered through IVs. The former are more convenient, but often more expensive. If coverage is denied, patients have access to health care advocates to help them through the appeals process.
