CT HB06368

Transfers administration of the CHOICES health insurance assistance program from the Department of Social Services to the Department on Aging, effective from passage.

Redefines CHOICES to include both the state health insurance assistance program and the federally-recognized state health insurance assistance program funded under P.L. 101-508, expanding focus to Medicare beneficiaries and older persons.

Requires the program to provide toll-free telephone access, Medicare appeals assistance from qualified attorneys or paralegals, written materials, and information comparing Medicare plans and supplemental insurance options at least five days per week during normal business hours.

Requires Medicare organizations to annually submit data and reports to the Insurance Commissioner regarding plan beneficiaries, with a late fee of one hundred dollars per day for non-compliance.

Mandates all hospitals treating Medicare Part A patients to notify incoming patients of CHOICES services, post the program's toll-free number, and provide Medicare patients with contact information for the program.