In the News

healthcare4every1 Rally and March

On Wednesday, April 26th, hc4every1 conducted a rally at the Hartford Train Station, followed by a march to the capital, in an effort to send a strong message to CT state leaders that we, as a state, can lead the way to better health care.

Sustinet Public Hearing Day

- Tuesday, Feb. 14th

HB 6305: AN ACT CONCERNING IMPLEMENTATION OF THE SUSTINET PLAN.

The public hearing for the SustiNet bill, HB 6305, gave a great many Connecticut residents the opportunity to voice their support for the implementation of the comprehensive state health care reform bill known as SustiNet, which would increase access to care and likely slow health care cost growth. The original Sustinet bill was passed by the state legislature in 2009.

Healthcare4every1 Action at the Capitol

- January 5, 2011

The opening day of the legislative session was Wednesday, January 5. The healthcare4every1 campaign had a very visible presence as over 100 supporters of SustiNet were at the Capitol wearing their red SustiNet t-shirts. The volunteers were able to discuss the importance of the SustiNet legislation with a number of elected officials and the action sent a clear message to politicians that SustiNet has widespread support throughout Connecticut and that phase two needs to be passed this year.

Anthem Hearing Draws Protesters; Rate Decision Won't Come Before Nov. 29

- November 17, 2010 - Hartford Courant

A health insurance rate hearing Wednesday was interrupted by protesters who stood in silent opposition, holding signs as they joined policyholders and public officials in imploring regulators to deny a 20 percent hike in premiums for some plans offered by Anthem Blue Cross and Blue Shield in Connecticut...The group included Hartford City Councilman Larry Deutsch and members of Citizens for Economic Opportunity who held signs decrying Anthem profits and executive pay...

CEO Interview on WNPR

- November 4, 2010 - YOUR PUBLIC MEDIA (WNPR)

Outgoing Insurance Commissioner Calls For Rate Hike Public Hearing - In an interview conducted by Harriet Jones (Business Editor, WNPR) Karen Scheussler (director, CEO). . . says the Anthem hearing is a last minute change of heart for Sullivan...

CEO Press Conference Calling for Replacement of Insurance Commissioner Sullivan

- October 25, 2010 - CT News Junkie

On Monday, October 25th, CEO sponsored a press conference with Senator Edith Prague urging Governor Rell to replace Insurance Commissioner Thomas Sullivan for rubberstamping virtually every insurance request to raise their rates. Recently, Commissioner Sullivan approved a rate hike for Anthem Blue Cross and Blue Shield of up to 47% for policyholders largely in the individual market. In addition, Mr. Sullivan distorts the truth by saying the increases are justified because of the new requirements of the federal health care reform bill. The morning of the press conference, CEO hand delivered a letter to Governor Rell highlighting the reasons Commissioner Sullivan should be replaced.
Connecticut insurance commissioner criticized for allowing insurance rate hikes

Wave of health reform provisions coming next month

- August 3, 2010 - Associated Press

Health care reform hits another milestone next month, with new provisions that include a coverage expansion for young adults and restrictions on an insurer's ability to impose annual coverage limits or to reject children with pre-existing medical conditions.

Insurance coverage that starts on or after Sept. 23 will have to comply with these changes and others that were put in place when President Barack Obama signed the health overhaul into law March 23. For most people, the changes won't affect their plans until coverage renews in the weeks or months that follow.

SustiNet Board Receives $615,000 From Private Foundations

- May 18, 2010 - Hartford Courant

The SustiNet Board has secured funds from four foundations to help complete its work. The board's leaders and representatives from the foundations announced the contributions - $615,000 in funding and technical assistance support - during a conference call with reporters.

After Early Skepticism, Rell Administration Signs on to Federal Health Care Reform

- May 4, 2010 - CT Mirror

Now that Gov. M. Jodi Rell's administration has reviewed the federal health reform bill, her office said Monday she will not join the multi-state lawsuit to challenge the act -- despite calls from all 12 state Republican senators to do so.

How much health insurers actually spend on you

- May 25, 2010 - CNN

Consumers spend thousands of dollars a year on health insurance premiums, and the reform law aims to regulate just how much of that money insurers actually spend on medical costs.

Health care reform will require that commercial insurers spend at least 85 cents out of every premium dollar on medical claims for its large-group policyholders. For small-group and individual policies, the figure is 80 cents.