Posts by Ellen Andrews
VT rejects troubling federal AHEAD changes, CT still considering it
Vermont, one of the first two states scheduled to implement the federal AHEAD model has withdrawn from the program. State officials stated, “Vermont originally pursued the model when it was launched in 2023 as an opportunity to strengthen our health care systems. However, new policy and operational guidance to bring Vermont in alignment with other…
Read MoreHealthcare Workforce chapter in CT Healthcare Explained updated
We’ve updated the Healthcare Workforce chapter of CT Healthcare Explained. The update was prompted by new numbers, workplace violence, and evidence-based solutions to build a healthy workforce. CT Healthcare Explained is our explainer website cutting through the complexities of our state’s healthcare system. Like the other 17 topic sections, the Healthcare Workforce chapter includes a…
Read MorePublic comment posted on Medicaid work reporting requirement rule
Today, the CT Health Policy Project submitted public comment on the federal proposed rule to implement Medicaid work reporting requirements. We are concerned about the rule for several reasons. Many thanks to Health Equity Solutions and Connecticut’s legal aid programs for assistance with drafting these comments. For more on the work requirements, see our updated…
Read MoreAnalysis: Questions missing in the Lamont-Elliot debate
In Wednesday’s debate, the only one we’ll get, between Connecticut’s Democratic candidates for Governor, there were no questions about healthcare. None. Affordability is a top priority for voters, and the staggering cost of healthcare is a big part of their anxiety. These are some questions I would’ve asked, and I’ll even give the candidates my…
Read MoreCT Medicaid Home & Community Services spending up, but that’s what we want
Read the report Recently, Connecticut Medicaid per member costs have grown significantly while enrollment is easing, according to the latest state financial report. Since switching from managed care organizations in 2012 to focus on care management, Connecticut Medicaid spending had stabilized while enrollment expanded significantly. With COVID, enrollment grew and per member costs dropped. Post-COVID…
Read MoreCT joins 24 other states suing CMS over Medicaid work requirements
Twenty five states, including Connecticut, and the District of Columbia, have filed a lawsuit againstagainst the federal Medicaid administration (CMS) for going beyond the language of the law (HR-1) that imposed work requirements on 300,000 HUSKY Part D members. Medicaid provides healthcare coverage to Connecticut’s most fragile residents, easing both health and economic frailty. That’s…
Read MoreUpdated again: HUSKY and work requirements – Incorporating the new federal rule
Updated June 30, 2026 to include states’ lawsuit Download the update corrected version with revisions highlighted Download a clean version of the update To incorporate new federal regulations, we’ve again updated our paper with recommendations for implementing federal changes and cuts to Connecticut’s Medicaid program that become effective January 1st of next year. This version…
Read MoreCTNJ: Federal Medicaid Rule Hard For Caregivers, Worse For Their Frail Patients
The 387-page regulations came out earlier this month, telling states how to implement the scary, new federal Medicaid work requirements. The regulations came with both a curious contradiction and a surprise for states that had been working with federal regulators. The new regulations on who is exempted from work requirements to keep their healthcare coverage…
Read MoreSeven CT hospitals warned about price transparency
Over 500 US hospitals, including seven in Connecticut, received warnings regarding compliance with 2019 price transparency requirements, according to the Associated Press. The requirements were designed to make care more affordable. The President is reportedly planning to ramp up enforcement of the federal transparency rule and more hospitals may receive warnings. Since 2019, many hospitals…
Read MoreHospital chapter in CT Healthcare Explained updated
We’ve updated the Hospitals chapter of CT Healthcare Explained. The update was prompted by new numbers and new topics, including potential impact of federal Medicaid cuts, payment rates, Medicaid rates, and private equity . CT Healthcare Explained is our explainer website cutting through the complexities of our state’s healthcare system. Like the other 17 topic…
Read More