State Senator John A. Kissel, R-Enfield, today said he was very encouraged by the amount of inquiries that many state residents have made regarding the new Charter Oak Health Plan that began accepting applications on June 30th. Sen. Kissel, who serves as the ranking senator on the legislature’s Human Services Committee, said that the heavy volume of calls to the program’s toll free hotline and hits to the plan’s website is a clear indication that there is a tremendous interest in Governor Rell’s affordable health care initiative.

“The Charter Oak Health Plan is designed to provide accessible health care coverage for uninsured residents and what we are seeing is that people are taking advantage of the program,” said Sen. Kissel. “They want to know what this program is all about and I commend Governor Rell for making information about the health plan easily available.”

The Charter Oak Health Plan is open to Connecticut residents who do not have medical insurance and who do not qualify for HUSKY or Medicare. There are no income limits, however premiums and deductibles are determined by household income. The plan also covers participants who have pre-existing health conditions.

“There are many people in our state who do not have access to affordable health insurance. They are hardworking people who have good jobs but do not receive health benefits,” said Sen. Kissel. “This program will give them that access and I am very encouraged that people are taking the time to ask questions to see if the plan is right for them.”

The Governor’s office has set up a toll free hotline, 1-877-77-CTOAK, for information about the Charter Oak Health Plan. Further information and an application for the program can also be found online at www.charteroakhelathplan.com.