NEW YORK, Oct. 11, 2016 /PRNewswire-HISPANIC PR WIRE/ — FAIR Health, an independent, national nonprofit organization, has launched a free health coverage mobile app for Connecticut residents. Available in English and Spanish, FH® Cost Lookup CT can be downloaded from iTunes App Store and Google Play. Both insured and uninsured Connecticut healthcare consumers can use the app to estimate costs for medical and dental services in their area; the app also explains essential basic information about how to plan, budget for and obtain healthcare.

The timing of the app’s availability could not be better. With the annual health insurance open enrollment season approaching, consumers will need to make decisions about their coverage and care, including selecting the plan option with the benefits and providers they need, at the right price. Yet, research shows that most Americans lack the basic understanding of health insurance to make informed choices. Using the app, Connecticut residents can estimate their current and future healthcare costs based on what providers typically charge for the services they need.

The app allows insured or uninsured users to:

• Estimate medical and dental care costs in Connecticut, Massachusetts, New York and Rhode Island;
• Negotiate the cost of a service with a doctor or dentist at the practitioner’s office; and
• Compare costs for services when healthcare professionals offer treatment.

The app also offers educational articles that explain health insurance and specific healthcare issues in Connecticut and lists community resources for related services, such as transportation. As an added benefit for CT’s Spanish-speaking residents, the app allows users to switch between English and Spanish, enabling those who are unfamiliar with certain terms used by their providers (often provided in English) to obtain information in Spanish. A glossary feature in both languages further explains commonly used healthcare terms.

The new free app is powered by FAIR Health’s database of over 21 billion claims for privately billed medical and dental procedures. FAIR Health receives data from payors that insure more than 150 million individuals in the private healthcare system. The app is funded by a grant from the Connecticut Health Foundation.

Media Inquiries:
Dean Sicoli, Executive Director of Communications and Public Relations
(646) 664-1645
dsicoli@fairhealth.org