When the Affordable Care Act was implemented in 2014, many area residents were left needing to purchase health insurance from the marketplace but unable to afford the premiums. UW Health recognized the need and created a fund to provide financial assistance to those people. Working with the United Way of Dane County and Unity Health Insurance (now known as Quartz), they established HealthConnect, a premium subsidy program for qualified Dane County residents.

More than 6,500 high-quality health insurance plans have been covered through HealthConnect since the program began in 2014. UW Health has contributed more than $9 million over that time to cover the premium expenses, and the United Way of Dane County manages the fund. 

HealthConnect participants frequently share how much they appreciate the program. Here are just a few comments from enrollees:

“I was having a mental health crisis before HealthConnect, knowing that maintaining my physical health would ruin me financially. Now I can afford to be alive. THANK YOU!”

“I have received the best care under this plan. I have a serious condition which is better maintained than ever since enrolling in this plan.”

“HealthConnect has helped me put some of my financial worries aside and concentrate on a living a happier lifestyle. I’m now able to pay off my debt and see my doctor on a regular basis to help with my family history of heart disease.”