Archive for June 2024
43 sign letter urging Governor not to return MCOs to HUSKY
A letter signed by 27 organizations and 16 individuals was sent to Governor Lamont urging him not to return Connecticut’s successful Medicaid/HUSKY program to the failed managed care (MCO) model. The signers cited HUSKY’s progress leading the nation in cost control, quality, innovation, and access to care since MCOs left our program in 2012. Read…
Read MorenoHuskyMCOs webinar for advocates online
A recording and slides from yesterdays’ noHuskyMCOs webinar for advocates is online. The webinar covered – Questions included — If your group would like a presentation on noHuskyMCOs, email andrews@cthealthpolicy.org.
Read MoreAnalysis: Why most other states use Medicaid MCOs and why CT doesn’t
A question has been posed to opponents of MCOs in Connecticut’s Medicaid program. Under the Rowland administration, Connecticut started using Medicaid MCOs, but we removed them in 2012 because they weren’t performing. Advocates are strongly opposed to using MCOs in HUSKY. But if they’re so terrible, why do 40 other states use MCOs to run…
Read MoreCT inflation adjusted RN and NP pay
Becker’s Hospital Review has calculated 2023/2024 hourly pay levels for Registered Nurses (RNs) and Nurse Practitioners (NPs) by state. Adjusted by the Cost of Living Index, Connecticut ranks 16th highest for RNs but only 33rd for NPs among states. Adjusted Connecticut rates are similar to comparable Northeastern states. Without adjustment for the cost of living,…
Read MoreGood and bad news in CT hospital fair share spending
US non-profit hospitals receive federal, state, and local tax breaks totaling tens of billions of dollars. Taxpayers must pay more to cover those losses. In exchange, hospitals are expected to devote resources to improving their community’s health. Nonprofit hospitals must report their community benefit spending to the IRS. The Lown Institute has published their 2024…
Read MoreCT Mirror Viewpoint: Husky MCOs would harm access to mental health care
A new CT Mirror Viewpoint from a HUSKY mental health provider describes why the Governor’s idea to bring managed care back would drive more providers from the program. Demand for mental health care has never been higher and is a serious concern for HUSKY. Donna Nicolino is a trauma specialist participating in both Connecticut’s non-MCO…
Read MoreBook Club: Risky Business—Why Insurance Markets Fail And What to Do About It
I thought I knew a lot about how insurance markets work (and don’t), but I learned more than I expected from Risky Business—Why Insurance Markets Fail And What to Do About It by Liran Einav, Amy Finkelstein, and Ray Fishman. Adverse selection (commonly called cherry picking) is a double-edged problem. I knew about insurers’ schemes…
Read MoreCT Medicaid compared to other states – What the evidence says
Download the report Governor Lamont is reportedly considering a plan to have private insurance managed care plans (MCOs) run Connecticut’s Medicaid program. From 1996 through 2011, Connecticut Medicaid was run by MCOs, and it was deeply troubled. The program ended under pressure from advocates, providers, and legislators. Since the MCOs left Connecticut Medicaid, access and…
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