Connecticut has been largely successful in enrolling children and their families in the HUSKY health insurance program, especially during the recent economic downturn. However, many children and families have difficulties staying enrolled, even when eligible and in need of coverage. This analysis of HUSKY enrollment trends finds:
- In 2008, over 75,000 children and adults were newly enrolled in the HUSKY Program. The following year, new enrollment jumped to over 96,000, about 28 percent more than in each of the previous two years. The increase is likely due to increased need for coverage during the recent economic downturn.
- However, the net increases in enrollment were far less than the numbers of new enrollees each year. On average, net enrollment increased by just 25 for every 100 newly enrolled children and adults
Given the current employment and economic trends in the state, it is not likely that all those who disenroll from HUSKY do so because they have other coverage. Thus, retaining eligible families in HUSKY is a key component of reducing the number of uninsured children in Connecticut and increasing enrollment in the HUSKY Program. Addressing current problems with eligibility and renewal processes is critically important for ensuring that under health reform, families get and keep the coverage they need.
