HUSKY Provides Health Coverage

 For Uninsured Children

More than 20,000 families have called HUSKY Health Infoline’s toll-free information number, 877/CT-HUSKY, since the HUSKY Plan started in June, 1988. HUSKY, which stands for Healthcare for Uninsured Kids and Youth, is Connecticut’s new health insurance program for children.

HUSKY is available to all uninsured children in Connecticut under the age of 19. The Plan was passed unanimously during a special session of the General Assembly and signed into law by Governor Rowland in October, 1997. Many children in the state currently have no health insurance and as a result receive little or no preventive health care. Getting the word out to families is key to linking these children with necessary health services.

Families can call 877/CT-HUSKY to learn about eligibility and how to apply for HUSKY, or to request an information packet by mail. The HUSKY Plan has several tiers. A child may be eligible for either free or low-cost health coverage depending on family size and income. Even children in higher income families with no access to employer-sponsored insurance can qualify for HUSKY by paying a group-rare premium.

For example, a family of four with a household income under $30,903 could receive totally free health coverage for their children under HUSKY Part A. A family of four with an income below $39,254 would have $5 co-pays for some services but no monthly premiums in HUSKY Part B. For a family of four earning up to $50,112 the same $5 co-pay applies, plus a monthly premium of $30 for one child or a $50 maximum for two or more children.

The HUSKY benefit package includes preventive care for which there is no co-pay, physician visits, prescriptions, hospital services, surgery, mental health and substance abuse treatment, physical therapy, home health care, x-rays and lab work, emergency care, medical equipment, vision, dental and hearing exams. Supplemental coverage called HUSKY Plus exists for children in HUSKY Part B who have intensive physical or behavioral health needs.

HUSKY health coverage is intended for working families whose employers do not provide health coverage for dependents. It is available for children who have not had health insurance for the past six months, but there are exceptions to the six-month rule, so call 877/CT-HUSKY to see if your child qualifies.

After receiving information about HUSKY, a family can apply either by phone or mail. Once income verification is submitted, eligibility is determined. Parents are then asked to select a managed care health plan for the child from among several choices. If the child already has a preferred family doctor, it is important to choose a health plan in which this doctor participates. Parents can obtain information about doctors and health providers in each plan by calling 877-CT-HUSKY.