Gentile Applauds Approval of $1.2 Billion State Employee Concession Plan

State Representative Linda Gentile (Derby, Ansonia) applauds the House approval of a $1.2 billion state employee concession plan that will enact several significant structural changes and save $24 billion over the life of the agreement.

 

This is an historic agreement that prioritizes structural, verifiable reductions to long-term pension and benefit costs, while also achieving significant savings in the coming biennium. This groundbreaking agreement substantially reduces the unfunded liability for both the state employee retirement system and our retiree health benefits trust fund.

 

Under this labor deal, the State Employee Bargaining Agent Coalition has agreed to zero wage increases for three years, higher health co-pays and premiums, and three unpaid furlough days in 2017-18.

 

“This labor agreement is the first step toward solving our budget deficit as it adopts a spending plan that generates new revenue, restructures our pension system into the future, while respecting the promises made in the past, and takes advantage of our demographic reality.” Rep. Gentile said. “This deal will put Connecticut on the path to financial sustainability, produce immediate savings in healthcare and enact several significant structural changes by gradually shifting costs onto employees and retirees into the future.”

 

Other structural changes include overtime capped at 60 percent, health insurance redesign, pension reforms, increased co-pays, premium cost sharing and COLA reforms.

 

Additionally, the plan will require all employees to pay 2 percent more into their pension over biennium and establish a new tier IV of employees going forward that will have a defined benefit and contribution plan.

 

In regards to savings, this agreement:

• Saves taxpayers approximately $710 million in Fiscal Year 2018 and $850 million in Fiscal Year 2019,

• Savings grows to $24 billion over the next 20 years,
• Turns a $20.7 billion unfunded liability into a $1.5 billion surplus over 30 year

(This is a press release from Gentile's office)

Learn How to Navigate Medicare and Health Insurance at Griffin Hospital

DERBY -Griffin Hospital will host a free program on navigating Medicare and health insurance through the state health care exchange on Tues., Nov. 1 at 6 p.m. at the hospital, 130 Division Street, Derby.

 

“Get Health Insurance and Get the Most Out of It” will feature Joe Deegan, a counselor for Connecticut’s programs for Health Insurance, Outreach, Information and Eligibility Screening (CHOICES), Certified Health Insurance Assisters Margaret Sessa, RN, and Esther Jones, and a medical expert from Griffin Faculty Practice.

 

Deegan will provide information to help those eligible for Medicare and their caregivers make informed health insurance decisions. The presentation will cover on Medicare, Medigap and Medicare Savings Program (CT Assistance).

 

Griffin’s Certified Health Insurance Assisters will provide information on navigating Access Health CT, the state’s health insurance exchange, and signing up for Medicaid. They will also be available to make appointments for one-on-one health insurance enrollment assistance.

 

A member of Griffin’s Faculty Practice will discuss the benefits of establishing a “medical home” with a primary care physician, which can help individuals manage their health and save money.

 

This talk is part of Griffin Hospital's Healthy U program, a series of free wellness talks featuring Griffin Hospital medical experts and community partners providing trusted health information and answers to questions on a wide range of topics. Light refreshments will be served.

 

To reserve your spot or for more information, call 203-732-1511 or visit the calendar at griffinhealth.org.

 

(This is a press release from Griffin Hospital)

Health Insurance Enrollment Help Available at Griffin Hospital

DERBY- Individuals interested in enrolling in Access Health CT can get free, one-on-one help from a certified assister at Griffin Hospital in Derby.

The Rev. Esther Jones, of Griffin Hospital’s Community Outreach and Valley Parish Nursing Program, is available by appointment to offer guidance for selecting health care coverage, verify that all paperwork is completed properly, check for financial aid opportunities, and help complete enrollment.

Appointment times and dates are flexible to work with busy schedules, however appointments are required to receive assistance.

Call 203-732-1523 or email ejones@griffinhealth.org for more information and to set up an appointment.

Griffin in Derby to host health insurance sessions

DERBY - Griffin Hospital will host two information sessions for individuals interested in enrolling in Access Health CT, the state’s health insurance exchange.

Sessions are scheduled for 3-7 p.m. March 3 in the hospital’s Dining Room Meeting Rooms 1 and 2, and 10 a.m.-3 p.m. March 15 in the hospital’s Meditation and Learning Center.

Certified health insurance assisters will present information about Access Health CT and will be available help individuals enroll in health insurance.

Those interested are asked to RSVP by calling Maggie Sessa, 203-732-1136.

One-on-one enrollment assistance is still available from now until March 31.

Sessa and the Rev. Esther Jones, are available at Griffin Hospital’s Health Resource Center from 9 a.m.-4 p.m. on Mondays and Thursdays and at the Valley United Way, 54 Grove St., Shelton, from 10 a.m.-3 p.m. Fridays.
These two assisters can offer guidance when selecting coverage, verify that all paperwork is completed properly, check if an individual qualifies for financial aid, and help complete enrollment.

Interested individuals must make an appointment to receive one-on-one assistance.

Call 203-732-1136 or email msessa@griffinhealth.org to set up an appointment.

The assisters are available to work out a time and date to help those with busy schedules.


This is a press release from Griffin Hospital.  

Access Health info offered at Griffin Hospital in Derby

DERBY - Griffin Hospital will host two information sessions for individuals interested in enrolling in Access Health CT, the state’s health insurance exchange.

From 3-7 p.m. Friday and again on March 3 in the hospital’s Dining Room Meeting Rooms 1 and 2 at 130 Division St., certified health insurance assisters will present information about Access Health CT and will be available help individuals enroll in health insurance.

Those interested are asked to RSVP by calling Maggie Sessa, at 203-732-1136.

One-on-one enrollment assistance is still available until March 31.

Sessa and the Rev. Esther Jones are available at Griffin Hospital’s Health Resource Center from 9 a.m.-4 p.m. Mondays and Thursdays and at the Valley United Way, 54 Grove St., Shelton, from 10 a.m.-3 p.m. Fridays.
They can offer guidance when selecting coverage, verify that all paperwork is completed properly, check if an individual qualifies for financial aid, and help complete enrollment.

Interested individuals must make an appointment to receive one-on-one assistance.


Call 203-732-1136 or email msessa@griffinhealth.org to set up an appointment.
The assisters are available to work out a time and date to help those with busy schedules.


This is a press release from Griffin Hospital.

Griffin Hospital in Derby to host health insurance talk

Presentation rescheduled from December

DERBY– Looking for information about getting health insurance through the state health care exchange?

Griffin Hospital will host “Health Insurance – Get It and Get the Most Out of It” at 6 p.m Jan. 16 in the hospital’s Childbirth Education Classroom, 130 Division St.

Hosted by Certified Health Insurance Assister Margaret Sessa, a registered nurse, and Dr. Shyla Muriel, of Griffin Hospital Faculty Physicians, this free talk will provide information on navigating Access Health CT, the state’s health insurance exchange, and about the benefits of establishing a “medical home” with a primary care physician.

This talk was rescheduled from December due to a snowstorm.

When it comes to taking care of your health, having health insurance is just a start.

Creating a relationship with a primary care physician, also known as a primary care provider, can help you manage your health and save money.

Primary care physicians care for their patients as entire persons. They get to know their patients personally and understand their patients’ medical history so they can recognize changes in a patient’s health and provide one-on-one information about preventative care or how to manage chronic illness.

Primary care physicians can also act as an advocate for patients with the insurance company if special treatment is needed.

Muriel will also highlight the importance of regular physicals and what tests are recommended for individuals as they age.

In addition to the free talk, members of Griffin Hospital’s Valley Parish Nurse Program will provide free blood pressure screenings and consultation for attendees.  

Blood pressure is considered one of the most important health screenings a person can get because high blood pressure has no symptoms so can’t be detected without being measured. High blood pressure greatly increases risk of heart disease and stroke – two of the largest causes of natural death in the country.

This talk is part of Griffin Hospital's Healthy U “Tuesday Talks,” a series of free wellness talks featuring Griffin Hospital medical experts and community partners providing trusted health information and answers to questions on a wide range of topics.

All Tuesday Talks are held in Griffin Hospital’s Meditation and Learning Center, 130 Division St. Light refreshments will be served.

To reserve a spot or for more information, call 203-732-1511 or visit griffinhealth.org.
To find out about upcoming Tuesday Talks, visit griffinhealth.org/programsevents.


This is a press release from Griffin Hospital.

Griffin in Derby to hold talk on health insurance

DERBY - Looking for information about getting health insurance through the state health care exchange?

Griffin Hospital will host “Health Insurance – Get It and Get the Most Out of It” at 6 p.m. Dec. 17 in the hospital’s Meditation and Learning Center, 130 Division St.

Hosted by Certified Health Insurance Assister Margaret Sessa, RN, and Dr. Shyla Muriel, of Griffin Hospital Faculty Physicians, this free talk will provide information on navigating Access Health CT, the state’s health insurance exchange, and about the benefits of establishing a “medical home” with a primary care physician.



When it comes to taking care of your health, having health insurance is just a start. Creating a relationship with a primary care physician, also known as a primary care provider, can help you manage your health and save money.

Primary care physicians care for their patients as entire persons. They get to know their patients personally and understand their patients’ medical history so they can recognize changes in a patient’s health and provide one-on-one information about preventative care or how to manage chronic illness.
Primary care physicians can also act as an advocate for patients with the insurance company if special treatment is needed.

Muriel will also highlight the importance of regular physicals and what tests are recommended for individuals as they age.

In addition to the free talk, members of Griffin Hospital’s Valley Parish Nurse Program will provide free blood pressure screenings and consultation for attendees.
Blood pressure is considered one of the most important health screenings a person can get because high blood pressure has no symptoms so can’t be detected without being measured. High blood pressure greatly increases your risk of heart disease and stroke – two of the largest causes of natural death in the country.

This talk is part of Griffin Hospital's Healthy U “Tuesday Talks,” a series of free wellness talks featuring Griffin Hospital medical experts and community partners providing trusted health information and answers to questions on a wide range of topics.

All Tuesday Talks are held in the hospital’s Meditation and Learning Center at 130 Division St.
Light refreshments will be served.

To reserve a spot or for more information, call 203-732-1511 or visit griffinhealth.org. To find out about upcoming Tuesday Talks, visit griffinhealth.org/programsevents.


This is a press release from Griffin Hospital.

Crisco convenes forum on health insurance act

HARTFORD - State Sen. Joseph J. Crisco, Jr., D-Woodbridge, and state Rep. Robert Megna, D-New Haven, co-chairs of the legislature’s Insurance and Real Estate Committee, Friday convened an Informational Forum to measure progress toward Connecticut’s implementation of the federal Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act.

Jan. 1 is the effective date of the new federal law; the official enrollment period began Oct. 1.

Crisco and Megna were eager for lawmakers to hear from industry experts so they in turn could help ensure their constituents have access to the information, enrollment options, and sign-up capabilities they need to participate in options provided by the new federal law.

“The two key facets of the Affordable Care Act cannot be overstated, and the first of these is widespread enrollment to expand the pool of residents covered by insurance, to reduce costs for individual members of that pool,” Crisco said.
“And then with more residents receiving regular check-ups and early diagnoses, the overall cost of healthcare should go down with reduced demand for treatment of late-stage and chronic illness, and emergency room visits for routine matters.”

Access Health CT is the state’s health insurance exchange, established by state statute as the official medium between state residents and their participation in options provided by the federal law.
Kevin Counihan, chief executive officer of AccessHealthCT, was Friday’s first and featured presenter to update Connecticut’s enrollment statistics.

“It was gratifying to hear how smoothly Connecticut enrollments have been going through our state system in light of press coverage of enrollment difficulties and consumer confusion elsewhere,” Crisco said.
“The Informational Forum was quite comprehensive, providing updates from ACA administrators, a chance to gauge the impact of these changes from private sector providers, and the view from officials with the state Department of Insurance, which regulates the industry.”

Crisco said efficiencies at Access Health CT place the state among national leaders in enrollment results with a 97 percent approval rating from participants.
Access Health CT can be reached at www.accesshealthct.com or by calling 1-855-805-4325.


This is a press release from Crisco's office.

Derby provides drug discount program

DERBY - The City of Derby, through its association with the Connecticut Conference of Municipalities, the statewide association of towns and cities, is now providing a new prescription discount card that will provide uninsured and underinsured residents steep savings on prescription medicines.

Derby is a member of CCM and this new program is only available to CCM member-communities.
         
In Connecticut, over 10 percent of Connecticut residents – nearly 360,000 people – currently lack health insurance and prescription plans and another 800,000 residents are underinsured. There are over 50 million uninsured individuals living in the United States.

The “City of Derby Prescription Drug Discount Card” helps residents save money on their prescription medications any time their prescription is not covered by insurance.  This new prescription discount card will provide immediate fiscal relief at the pharmacy counter for uninsured and underinsured residents and offers the following features and benefits:
-- Anyone can participate regardless of age or income;
-- All prescription medications are covered including pet prescriptions that can be filled at a pharmacy;
-- There is no cost to the municipality or to participating residents;
-- Cost savings average 45 percent;
-- There are over 63,000 participating pharmacies nationwide, including CVS, Rite-Aid, Walgreens, Wal-Mart, Stop and Shop, and Big Y, and many independent pharmacies;
-- Discounts are also offered on other medical services including vision, hearing and Lasik services.
     
"It is a clear win for our city when we can easily ensure that our uninsured and under-insured residents have easy, no cost, access to better prescription coverage.” said Mayor Anthony Staffieri.

“CCM is pleased to offer this valuable community service to Derby,” said CCM Executive Director and CEO Jim Finley. “Many families are struggling and even some families with health insurance may not have all their prescriptions covered. This program will help them save money on any medicines not covered by their insurance.”

Discount cards to be mailed

Each residence in Derby will receive a “City of Derby Prescription Discount Card” by direct mail which they may use at any participating retail pharmacy. Cards may be used by all city residents regardless of age, income or existing health coverage.

There are no enrollment forms, membership fees, restrictions or limits on frequency of use for residents.
Cardholders and their family members are encouraged to use the cards any time their prescriptions are not covered by insurance. 
Cards will also be printed by visiting www.CTRxDiscountCard.com, and selecting Derby from the drop-down menu.


This post is taken from a press release from the City of Derby.

Crisco wins approval for bill to scrutinize long-term care rate requests

HARTFORD - State Sen. Joseph J. Crisco, Jr. , D-Woodbridge, co-chair of the legislature’s Insurance and Real Estate Committee, Wednesday won a unanimous Senate vote for a bill to add an additional level of scrutiny for long-term care insurance rate increase requests. 

Language of the bill specifies that rate increase requests of ten percent or more be subject to public comment on the proposal.

Crisco said the requirement for a public symposium applies to individual and group insurance policies, whether they are provided by insurance companies, Health Maintenance Organizations or any other insurance provider.

“The two most important aspects of this initiative are improved transparency in the insurance rate increase approval process, and consumer protection in terms of a public forum in which those directly impacted by the prospective rate increase can describe what it would mean to them,” Crisco said. 
“This legislation builds upon the law enacted two years ago to shine the light of day onto the state’s insurance rate approval process.”

Crisco said the bill, should it become law, would require the commissioner of the state Insurance Department to schedule a symposium within 60 days of the original request for higher rates, and do so within five days of that request.

“I was struck by testimony provided by the American Association of Retired Persons to suggest that states allowing public input during the rate approval process are more successful in containing those rate increases,” Crisco said.

“This bill is not intended to deny insurers their reasonable rate increase requests, but simply to allow both sides of the matter to be heard and considered by regulators in the commissioner’s office at the Insurance Department.”

After Wednesday's unanimous Senate vote, SB808 now advances to the House of Representatives for its consideration.

This information is from a press release from Crisco's office. 

Crisco wins Senate nod for insurance coverage for autism patients

HARTFORD - State Sen. Joseph J. Crisco, Jr., D-Woodbridge, Senate chair of the legislature’s Insurance and Real Estate Committee, today won unanimous Senate approval for a  bill to ensure health insurance coverage for autism patients in Connecticut. 

Crisco said the bill was prompted by a concern that some patients might lose their benefits based upon new diagnosis criteria expected imminently from the American Psychiatric Association.
 

In 2009 Connecticut enacted Crisco’s initiative to extend additional healthcare insurance coverage for the diagnosis and treatment of autism spectrum disorders,  ranging from the most acute autistic disorders to Rett's disorder, childhood disintegrative disorder, Asperger's disorder and pervasive developmental disorder not otherwise specified.

“In 2008, we worked hard to enact a law requiring health insurance coverage for physical, speech and occupational therapy for autism patients and then the following year we added mandatory coverage for diagnostic procedures, behavioral therapy for children, prescription medications and psychological and psychiatric treatments,” Crisco said. 

“We cannot risk any backsliding in terms of health insurance coverage for these patients as a result of arbitrary diagnostic criteria from the APA.”

“Connecticut is leading the pack in terms of states that provide for autism patients and their families; with this bill, we underscore our long-term commitment to help the families of those afflicted with autism, especially children,” Crisco said.

Prior to the laws enacted in 2008 and 2009 thousands of Connecticut families were left on their own to underwrite the tens of thousands of dollars required to diagnose, treat and care for autism patients.

“The challenges of raising a child with any condition on the autism spectrum are compounded by communication difficulties and the ‘moving target’ nature of the illness. It’s extremely difficult to determine a long-lasting treatment regimen because symptoms can often change suddenly and quite dramatically,”  Crisco said.

 “This year’s bill would provide families some measure of assurance that their coverage will continue no matter what revisions are made in the next edition of the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM).

Crisco to hold hearing on affordable health-care act

Insurance officials to discuss impact on industry 

HARTFORD - State Sen.  Joseph J. Crisco, Jr. , D-Woodbridge, Senate chair of the legislature’s Insurance and Real Estate Committee, will convene an Informational Hearing next week on the federal Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act and its impact on the state’s insurance industry.
Crisco and committee members will hear presentations by officials of the state Department of Insurance.

Crisco said the state must continue its work to be fully prepared to implement the Affordable Care Act now that its provisions were upheld by the United States Supreme Court earlier this year.

“Connecticut is already very well positioned for ACA compliance given the creation of a state Affordable Insurance Exchange, something of an insurance clearinghouse, to help uninsured residents access, review, compare, and purchase insurance beginning in 2014,” Crisco said. “Connecticut has also already received $7.6 million in grants to help underwrite research, planning, information technology development, and implementation of this insurance exchange, which has also been referred to as a ‘virtual insurance mega-mall’.”

In the meanwhile, the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services reports that senior citizens in Connecticut have saved almost $58 million this year on prescription medications because ACA provisions filled the so-called ‘doughnut hole’ in Medicare prescription drug coverage.

Other benefits of the ACA include elimination of pre-existing conditions as cause for denial of coverage, and extended coverage for offspring to remain on a family plan until the age of 26, each of which will impact insurers in the state.

Crisco and committee members will hold an Informational Hearing at 1 p.m. Oct. 9 in Room 2D of the Legislative Office Building. Members of the public are invited to attend.

Crisco backs Supreme Court ruling on health care

State Sen. Joseph J. Crisco, Jr., D-Woodbridge, Senate chair of the legislature’s Insurance and Real Estate Committee, today embraced the decision handed down by the United States Supreme Court upholding the major tenets of the federal Affordable Care Act. 

Crisco said many aspects of healthcare reform undertaken by the federal government have already been enacted in Connecticut.

As insurance committee chairman Crisco has successfully expanded insurance coverage to include new screening and diagnostic procedures, has worked to improve consumer options and increase transparency with regard to insurance rates, and has supported economies of scale, giving more people access to coverage through insurance pooling.

“Today’s Supreme Court ruling provides dramatic reaffirmation that we’re on the right track with regard to healthcare reform in Connecticut and encourages us to recommit to the process already underway,” Crisco said. “The goal remains to provide increased access to affordable, high-quality healthcare – we believe expanding the pool of those insured sufficiently spreads risk and responsibility to control costs for individuals, families, businesses, and both private and public insurers.”

Crisco said Connecticut’s Health Insurance Exchange is another initiative meant to make information about health insurance options available to residents, and will play a key role as the state continues preparing for full ACA implementation in 2014.

“Connecticut has made great strides in its approach to improved healthcare, through preventative care, expanded options for consumers and insurance providers alike, and with optional, extended coverage for children through the age of 26,” Crisco said. “Today’s decision upholds our belief that effective healthcare reform must include all stakeholders, must be comprehensive in its scope in terms of coverage, cost, and eligibility, and perhaps most importantly of all, must be ongoing.”

“I heartily endorse the decision announced today and look forward to further implementation of healthcare reform in Connecticut so more residents have access to affordable, meaningful health insurance coverage,” Crisco said.

This is from a release from Crisco's Senate office.

Gentile lauds law expanding insurance board

State Rep. Linda M. Gentile, D-Ansonia, praised the House of Representatives’ approval Wednesday of legislation (HB 5013) that expands the Connecticut Health Insurance Exchange board by four members and also makes Healthcare Advocate Victoria Veltri a voting member.

     “Expanding the board and making the healthcare advocate a voting member will help guarantee better representation for all stakeholders and especially the people who are in need of affordable, quality health care,” said Gentile House chair of the Planning and Development Committee.  “This is absolutely a huge help for small business.”

     The exchange is a marketplace that will offer affordable, high-quality health insurance options, providing relief to families and small businesses who are struggling to afford insurance.

     The exchange was created by legislation enacted last year as a quasi-public agency, governed by a board of directors, which is empowered to help individuals and small employers obtain health insurance. The exchange will be fully operational starting in 2014.

     “The new legislation not only affords broader representation but also ensures that the exchange board is in compliance with federal regulations. The bill also clarifies the law’s conflict of interest provisions,” Gentile said.

     The legislation requires the president pro tempore of the Senate to appoint a small-organization employer for a two-year term and requires the Speaker of the House to appoint a consumer for a 2-year term. In addition, the majority leaders in the House and Senate will jointly appoint a new member representing consumers and the minority leaders in the House and Senate jointly will name a new member representing small business. This would increase the board from 11 voting members to 16 voting members.

     The bill also clarifies that employees members may not serve as consultants to trade associations of insurers, insurance brokers, health care providers, or health care facilities. Current statute already prohibits exchange board members from being employed by or members of these groups.

The above information was released by Gentile's office.