Shopping for Health Insurance During the Medicaid Unwinding
What Consumers Need to Know When Purchasing Coverage
With the end of the COVID-19 Public Health Emergency in Connecticut and the Continuous Medicaid Unwinding for Medicaid members, people who are no longer eligible for Medicaid/HUSKY will need to choose a new healthcare option.
During Medicaid Unwinding and any Special Enrollment Period, the Connecticut Insurance Department (CID) advises consumers to use caution when purchasing health insurance. While certain companies may appear enticing with their remarkably low prices, it is important to recognize that they may lack the necessary licensing and expertise to sell insurance in Connecticut. These companies can potentially expose you to significant medical expenses that may not be covered by an unregulated health insurance plan sold by an unlicensed agent.
To safeguard your well-being, financial security, and your health it is essential to select a health insurance plan that is reputable, trustworthy, and licensed to sell insurance in Connecticut.
The full list of licensed health insurers approved to sell insured health plans to Connecticut residents can be found here.
CID has received inquiries and complaints about organizations that appear to be selling health insurance but are not licensed health insurance companies or insurance producers in Connecticut.
Insurance consumers are facing an overwhelming surge in advertising tactics across multiple platforms, including telemarketing, social media, and the internet. Many of these products being promoted may not qualify as legitimate health insurance plans or possess the necessary licensing required in Connecticut. The advertised companies may not provide coverage for what you need when you need it, or the coverage may be so inadequate you end up with significant medical bills. It is important to always use caution and avoid products that lack essential consumer protections.
Protect yourself from health insurance fraud with our list of preventative measures you can take when purchasing coverage.
Anyone with questions can contact the Connecticut Insurance Department by email at insurance@ct.gov or by calling 860-297-3900.
Additional Resources:
About the Connecticut Insurance Department: The mission of the Department is to protect consumers through regulation of the industry, outreach, education, and advocacy. In FY 2018, the Department recovered more than $4.5 million on behalf of consumers and regulates the industry by ensuring carriers adhere to state insurance laws and regulations and are financially solvent to pay claims. The Department’s annual budget is funded through assessments from the insurance industry. For every dollar of direct expense, the Department brings in about $8.35 to the state in revenues. In FY 2018, the Department returned more than $145 million in assessments, fees, fines and penalties, and taxes to the state’s General Fund.
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