Governor Rell Signs Bill to Roll Back HUSKY B

Premiums, Extend Children’s Health Coverage

Governor M. Jodi Rell has signed legislation passed by the General Assembly in special session to roll back monthly premium levels in the state’s HUSKY B health-care program, effectively saving benefits for nearly 1,900 children and teenagers.

The children were at risk of losing eligibility October 31 because their parents had not paid new and increased monthly premiums approved in budget legislation earlier this year. Last week, Governor Rell directed the Department of Social Services (DSS), administering agency of the HUSKY Plan, to suspend the new premiums and keep children covered while the legislature took up the issue.

"The latest information from DSS shows that 1,884 children and teenagers were in danger of being dropped from health coverage," Governor Rell said. "While this number is lower than originally projected, it was obvious that many parents were having problems paying the new or increased premiums. No one wants children to lose health coverage, and I commend the General Assembly for acting so swiftly and decisively to resolve this situation."

House Bill 7701, an Act Concerning Cost-Sharing Requirements under the HUSKY Plan, Part B, was passed by the House and Senate this Wednesday.

The action by the legislature and Governor effectively returns HUSKY B premiums to the levels in place when the HUSKY Plan (which stands for Healthcare for UninSured Kids and Youth) was launched in 1998.

As a result of the legislation signed by Governor Rell, children in families with incomes between 185% and 235% of the federal poverty level (for example, $35,798 to $45,473 for a family of four) will continue to receive HUSKY B health-care benefits for no monthly premiums and small co-payments at the doctor or pharmacy. The new legislation eliminates premiums that would have cost families $30 monthly for one child and $50 monthly for two or more children.

Also as a result of the new legislation, children in families with incomes between 235% and 300% of the federal poverty level (for example, $45,474 to $58,050 for family of four) will continue to receive HUSKY B health-care benefits for monthly premiums of $30 for one child and $50 for two or more children. The new legislation reduces premiums that would have cost families $50 monthly for one child and $75 for two or more children.

Children in families with incomes higher than 300% of the federal poverty level can get HUSKY B coverage at an unsubsidized group premium rate, ranging from $158 to $230 per child. Premiums for this income level were not addressed in the legislation.

About 15,400 children under age 19 in families with incomes above 185% of the federal poverty level are enrolled in HUSKY B. Nearly 212,700 children in families with lower incomes are enrolled in free coverage in HUSKY A.

Governor Rell encouraged parents who would like information about enrolling their children into the HUSKY Plan to call 1-877-CT-HUSKY or visit www.huskyhealth.com.