Small Businesses May Be Eligible

For State Health Plan

To the Editor:

Health insurance costs are high and it is difficult to sort out all of the information available, however, as a “sole proprietor” of a business I discovered a benefit that you may not be aware of.  It seems to be a well kept secret!

 A law, Public Act 3-149, was signed into effect on June 23, 2003 (An Act Expanding Coverage Under the State Employees Health Plan) that allows many small businesses (no more than 50 employees, half of whom must be employed in this state), and sole proprietors to participate in the State Health Plan. To see if you are eligible, go to the Connecticut General Assembly website www.cga.state.ct.us and in the quick search section, highlight Public Act and then type in 149 and go to year 2003.

If you discover that you are eligible, you may then contact the Department of Insurance at 860-297-3863 or the Administrator of Municipal Employee Health Insurance Plans at 800-572-7891, ext 5751.

I am still awaiting my packet of information that was suppose to come before the end of May, but I call regularly to the 800 number above and plan to do so until I receive the information.  If there is a way to save even a little money on health insurance premiums, I plan to do it!

Good Luck!

Karen Banks

43 West Street, Newtown                                                July 19, 2004