Information About ConnectiCare Insurance Coverage

New Employee Orientation Health Insurance FAQs

When is my health insurance effective?

For those who elect coverage, it will become effective on the 1st of the month following their date of hire.

How do I sign up for benefits?

On your first day of employment, you will receive an e-mail from your benefits representative with instructions for your health insurance enrollment.

I don’t need the health insurance.  Do I have to do anything?

Yes.  Employees who wish to waive coverage must still complete the online enrollment/waiver process.

When am I going to get my insurance cards?

It takes approximately four to six weeks from the time you submit your elections to fully process the enrollment and receive cards.

If I have coverage and need to go to the doctor before I receive my cards, what happens?

If you seek care before cards are received, you may need to pay out of pocket and then submit a reimbursement request to the insurance carriers.

The Expanded Access, Standard Access, and Primary Care Access seem similar. What are the main differences between these plans?

The Expanded Access plan covers treatment both within and outside of the provider network. The Standard Access and Primary Care Access plans require members to only treat within the provider network. Members who enroll in the Primary Care Access plan must also select a primary care physician; referrals from that physician are required to seek care from specialists.

I have a child in college out of state, what medical plan should I select?

If you are enrolled in the Quality First Select Access plan or the Primary Care Access Plan, your dependents can temporarily enroll in local care in any state at no additional cost. If you are in the Expanded Access or Standard Access plans, then the National Access will cover your child’s out-of-state needs.

Is Hartford Healthcare a provider in the Quality First Select Access plan?

Yes, as of October 1, 2024, Hartford Hopsital and Hartford Healthcare providers, are part of Quality First Select Access (QFSA) plan, which uses the State BlueCare Prime network. For more details, visit the UConn Health New Employee Welcome Hub, Benefits page, the Healthcare Option Planners and Guidebooks, or the Care Compass website.

4o
Do we have vision coverage?

Your medical insurance will cover eye examinations; however, there is no separate vision coverage for eyewear (i.e. contact lenses, glasses, etc.).

How do I know which plan is best for me?

This is a question only you can answer. Each plan offers different advantages. To help choose which plan might be best for you, use the Medical Decision Guide. You can also contact a Care Coordinator at 833-740-3258 for help choosing the best medical plan for you and your enrolled family members.

Can I use any pharmacy?

Maintenance drugs, which are prescriptions used to treat chronic or long-term conditions, must either be filled through Caremark’s mail order pharmacy or at a pharmacy that participates in the State’s Maintenance Drug Network.  For non-maintenance drugs, the participating pharmacies can be found at https://www.caremark.com/ .

What is the difference in dental plans, and which is the best for me?

Details and rates are available at https://carecompass.ct.gov/state/dental/#plans.  Employees may contact their dental provider directly or may use the online Dental Decision Tool to assist with making their election.

Which dental plan(s) offer orthodontic care?

The Enhanced Plan, the DHMO Plan, and the Total Care DHMO plan all offer coverage for orthodontia treatment, while the Basic Plan does not offer that coverage.

If I participate in HEP, are my regular dental cleanings 100% covered?

Yes, up to two per year. However, if you are in the Enhanced Plan, you must use an in-network dentist to get the full coverage. If you go out of network, you may be subject to balance billing (if your out-of-network dentist charges more than the maximum allowable charge). In both DHMO plans, you must use an in-network dentist, or your exam won’t be covered at all.

When can I change my elections?

The elections you make upon hire will remain in place for the duration of the plan year (typically July 1 – June 30).  There is an annual open enrollment period during which employees may change their elections for the upcoming plan year.

Employees who have a Qualifying Status Change (i.e. birth of child, marriage, divorce, loss of alternate coverage, etc.) may be able to make changes to their elections mid-year provided they submit documentation to Human Resources within 31 days of the qualifying event.