Karen Pollitz
Kevin Lucia
Jennifer Libster
Eliza Bangit
Nicole Johnston

GEORGETOWN UNIVERSITY
HEALTH POLICY INSTITUTE

July 2009

The authors wish to express appreciation to Elizabeth Hadley, Jennifer Hersh, Robert Imes, Mila Kofman, Stephanie Lewis, Lauren Polite, Nadja Ruzica, Jalena Specht, and Nicole Tapay, for their work developing earlier editions of these guides.

The authors also wish to express appreciation to the staff of the Connecticut Department of Insurance and the United States Department of Labor. Their help was invaluable in our research and understanding of applicable law and policy.  Without them, this guide would not have been possible.  However, any mistakes that may appear are our own.

This guide is intended to help consumers understand their protections under federal and state law. The authors have made every attempt to assure that the information presented in this guide is accurate as of the date of publication. However, the guide is a summary, and should not be used as a substitute for legal, accounting, or other expert professional advice. Readers should consult insurance regulators or other competent professionals for guidance in making health insurance decisions. The authors, Georgetown University, and the Health Policy Institute specifically disclaim any personal liability, loss or risk incurred as a consequence of the use and application, either directly or indirectly, of any information presented herein.