ConnectiCare Company

ConnectiCare is one of the largest HMOs in Connecticut. In 1979 a group of doctors at Hartford Hospital planted the seeds for what would become ConnectiCare; today, the company's 240,000 members in Connecticut and western Massachusetts choose from HMO, PPO, or point-of-service options. It also provides supplemental dental and Medicare plans, as well as health savings accounts (HSAs) and disease management programs. ConnectiCare has a network of some 125 acute-care hospitals and about 22,000 care providers. The company is a subsidiary of Health Insurance Plan of Greater New York (HIP), which is itself a unit of EmblemHealth.

As the health care landscape of the US changes, ConnectiCare is working to provide more versatile products and services to its clients. For instance, in 2010 it introduced a small business plan that allows for different levels of premiums and employee cost-sharing levels. The company expects to encounter an increasing number of small businesses seeking insurance coverage as federal health reform measures take effect. In addition, the health insurer widened its options for individuals seeking coverage in 2009 through its ConnectiCare SOLO program.

With a focus on customer service, ConnectiCare has also been investing in technology improvements. In 2010 it installed new systems to increase claims processing times and reduce paperwork, as well as provide better online services to members.

Also in 2010, ConnectiCare appointed Michael Wise as president upon the retirement of former company leader Mickey Herbert. Wise had previously served as executive vice president and CFO of the company since 2005.

ConnectiCare was founded in 1981. HIP bought the company in 2005, and the following year HIP merged with another New York insurance company, Group Health Incorporated, to form EmblemHealth. ConnectiCare's former New York operations have been combined into the parent organization's operations.