Connecticut governor defends Charter Oak plan

Hartford Courant, August 5, 2008

Connecticut Gov. M. Jodi Rell said there's time to build up the healthcare provider network for the new Charter Oak Health Care Plan for the uninsured, which has been criticized of late for not having enough hospitals and doctors. With 24 people enrolled as of Aug. 1, Rell said the next wave of enrollees won't be needing access to doctors and hospitals until Sept. 1. Department of Social Services said St. Mary's Hospital in Waterbury has joined the Hospital of Saint Raphael in New Haven in providing care to Charter Oak enrollees. The three insurers offering the plan are in discussions with other hospitals and expect more to enroll shortly, said DSS representatives.