Governor Jodi Rell says the Charter Oak Health Insurance plan, which started taking applications just yesterday, is having what she called a "phenomenal start." She says through late Tuesday afternoon, there had been more than a thousand phone calls and dozens of e-mails, asking for information about the plan, or for applications to sign up.

Premiums for the Charter Oak plan are on a sliding scale, according to income, for any uninsured adult. Individual premiums will range from $75 to $259, with deductibles ranging from $150 to $900

The governor says the level of interest show just how badly needed the program is.

A website, and a toll-free hotline have been set up to answer questions about the program. The line, 1-877-77-CTOAK (1-877-772-8625) will be staffed 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.