The state Office of Health Care Advocate has recovered for consumers $2.9 million in the third quarter of 2011 and $9.3 million thus far in calendar year 2011. The case load this year is expected to be double last year’s number. Through public outreach, their website and a toll-free assistance line, OHA helps patients who have been denied services or payment for services by insurers, private and public. OHA prepares cases for consumers and can appear in-person for appeals. The office also identifies trends and challenges in CT’s health insurance system keeping people from getting the care they need and advocates with policymakers to fix those policies for all state residents. OHA was created in 1999 as part of CT’s managed care reform law.
Ellen Andrews