State officials will be holding five public forums across Connecticut over the next few weeks to get input on how the state should develop its health insurance exchange.
The public forums will be held in Hartford, New London, New Haven, Danbury, and Windham and give residents an opportunity to give feedback on the exchange’s design as well as learn about the purpose and functions of the exchange.
The federal health care reform law requires states to set up, no later than Jan. 1 2014, insurance exchanges where individuals or small businesses can obtain coverage from an array of insurers competing for consumers.
There have been several different bills that outlined the framework of the exchange, including one measure that calls for the creation of a quasi-public agency known as the Connecticut Health Insurance Exchange, which would consist of a 7-member board of directors-chosen by state lawmakers-who would have voting rights.
The centerpiece of the exchange would be the creation of a web site that allows prospective enrollees to obtain standardized comparative information on insurance plans as well as quality and price rating information. The site would also allow enrollees to access information on a health plan’s premiums, cost sharing requirements-including deductibles-copayments and coinsurance, and coverage limitations.
“A critical component in the design and development of an Exchange is gathering information from our residents to ensure that all interests are represented in policy formation. We are dedicated to a comprehensive, meaningful and transparent process and are listening carefully to all thoughts for Exchange goals, policy, and administrative functions,” stated Jeannette DeJesús,
The public forums will be held:
•·       April 25 at 6:30 p.m. in Danbury City Hall, 155 Deer Hill Ave.;
•·       April 27 at 6:30 in the New London Public Library, 63 Huntington St.;
•·       May 5 at 7 p.m. in New Haven City Hall, 165 Church St.;
•·       May 9 at 6 p.m. in Downtown Hartford Public Library, 500 Main St.;
•·       May 17 at 6:30 p.m. at Windham Middle School, 123 Quarry St.
