The Connecticut Insurance Department approved rates for both individual and small group insurance plans that will be offered under the state's new health insurance exchange, beginning this fall.

A review of rates proposed by insurance carriers offering the lowest-cost plans for individuals in Connecticut's new health insurance exchange shows there are narrow differences between the different companies.

Connecticut's health care exchange announced Monday it has selected a Virginia company with a troubled history in the state to run a new center to help consumers enroll in a health insurance plan beginning later this year.

The federal health care law is providing both challenges and opportunities for Connecticut lawmakers as they spend the coming weeks trying to reach a state budget compromise with Gov. Dannel P. Malloy.

A push for the legalization of physician-assisted suicide is under way in a half-dozen states where proponents say they see strong support for allowing doctors to prescribe mentally competent, dying individuals with the medications needed to end their own lives.

The state of Connecticut has required a private security company hired to protect several office buildings to provide some guards back pay after a review showed the firm breached its contract with the state by underpaying the workers.

State office building guards voted to strike, saying their employer has failed to make pension contributions required by contract.

Connecticut officials on Thursday urged employers to take advantage of new state and federal financial incentives and hire returning veterans, many of whom are having difficulty finding work.