HARTFORD, Conn. -- At the latest session of the State Bond Commission, officials said, $11 million was appropriated for the Charter Oak Health Plan.

The plan gives health coverage to the poor, officials said. However, the plan is off to a slow start, they said, with few providers willing to participate. “We have 24 people now that have health insurance that didn’t have health insurance before,” said Gov. Jodi Rell. “Some people might say, might ask, ‘Did you rush it?’ Those individuals will tell you that you didn’t make it happen fast enough.

Despite criticism, Rell said she’s convinced the plan will work.

But lawmakers, such as Sen. Jonathan Harris, said the plan is doomed from the start because the governor wants to combine Charter Oak with the current Husky plan, which helps Connecticut children who don’t have access to private health insurance.

Harris said he’s concerned insurance companies can't make money.

A toll free hot line -- 877-77-CTOAK (28625) -- has been set up for the public to get more information about Charter Oak. The line will be open from 9 a.m. to 8 p.m. Mondays through Thursdays, 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. Fridays and 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturdays. More information and applications can be found at www.charteroakhealthplan.com.