News
Could Cholesterol-Lowering Statin Drugs Hurt a Flu Shot’s Effect?
A popular cholesterol-lowering drug, taken by about 28 percent of U.S. adults over 40 and 48 percent of those over 75, may interfere with the effectiveness of flu vaccines, researchers report. Two studies find that statin drugs may reduce the body’s immune response to the vaccine in older people, who already have a lowered immune… read full article
Get extra savings on health insurance with a Silver plan
When you apply for health coverage through the Health Insurance Marketplace, you’ll find out if you qualify for savings. You may be eligible for a “premium tax credit” to lower the cost of your monthly premium. You also may be eligible for “cost-sharing reductions” — discounts that lower what you’ll pay out of your own… read full article
Stay healthy this flu season with free preventive health services from the Marketplace
Flu season is here, and getting a flu vaccine is the best way to protect yourself and your family from this potentially serious disease. If you’re covered by a health plan through the Health Insurance Marketplace, you and your family can get free flu shots from a doctor or other provider in your plan’s network…. read full article
It’s time — Get 2016 health insurance coverage now
Starting today, you can apply for a 2016 health plan, renew your current plan, or pick a new plan through the Health Insurance Marketplace. New to the Marketplace? You can preview 2016 health insurance plans and prices before you apply. You’ll see premiums based on your estimated income. Remember, most people qualify for financial help… read full article
Trip to Dentist Can Help Detect Oral Cancer Early
Ask most doctors and they’ll tell you that your mouth is really the foundation of your entire health, so oral cancer screenings are a main reason that you shouldn’t skip your next trip to the dentist. Dr. Bryan Wilson, of Contemporary General Dentistry, said checking for oral cancer, among other mouth diseases, is part of… read full article
5 Years Later: How the Affordable Care Act is Working for Connecticut
The Affordable Care Act is working to make health care more affordable, accessible, and high quality for the people of Connecticut. Better Options Making health care more affordable and accessible through the Health Insurance Marketplaces: Through the Marketplace, Nutmeg Staters had the option of signing up for quality health coverage at a price they could… read full article
Making a Difference for National Hispanic Heritage Month
Just recently, Secretary Burwell met with the leadership of the United Farm Workers and Farmworker Justice. There is so much we can learn from these leaders today, and from their predecessors. In 1970, fresh from successfully organizing grape farmworkers, the charismatic chair of the new United Farm Workers Organizing Committee drove hurriedly from San Jose,… read full article
‘Consumer-driven’ health plans continue to gain ground in CT
It appears high-deductible health plans are here to stay. Since 2008, enrollment in so-called “consumer-driven” plans has grown 10 percent per year in Connecticut as companies have felt the pinch of higher healthcare costs. As of last year, the number of Connecticut workers enrolled in high-deductible plans, as defined by the IRS, reached 264,219, according… read full article
State Residents Not Using Free Preventive Care, Worried About Costs, Survey Finds
A 50-year-old woman in Windsor, hadn’t seen a primary care doctor in years when she decided to go for a physical this summer. She didn’t ask about preventive care screenings, such as a mammogram or Pap test, in part because she worried they might involve an insurance co-pay or deductible. Her household income is below… read full article
Early Childhood Health Targeted As Path To Better Education
Experts are focusing more money and attention on the health of young children in Connecticut in an effort to prepare them to be successful in school later on. The efforts include developmental screenings at child care centers, home visits and information hotlines for parents, better collaboration with pediatricians and more support for preschool staff members… read full article