State Launches Health Plan For Uninsured

Andrea Bryant, a 57-year old waitress from Manchester, became the first person in the state to apply for Connecticut's new, affordable health care plan.

Bryant filled out an application Monday morning for coverage under the Charter Oak Health Plan at the Town Line Diner, where state officials had gathered to launch the plan. It is open to those who don't qualify for existing state programs and aren't insured through an employer. Individual premiums will range from $75 a month to as high as $259 a month.

"I know I can afford this, and I'll be able to go to a doctor now," said Bryant, who has been without health insurance since her husband died two years ago.

Charter Oak enrollments open today, and the state expects to serve a projected 19,200 adults during the first year, rising to 47,200 in its third year. The state is contracting with three private insurers — Aetna Better Health, AmeriChoice of Connecticut and Community Health Network of Connecticut — to coordinate benefits and medical providers.