Posts by Ellen Andrews
March Webquiz – children’s health in CT
Test your knowledge of children’s health in CT. Take the March CT Health Policy webquiz.
Read MoreSales call illustrates the benefits of PCCM and a new way of doing business in Medicaid
I had a call yesterday that illustrates the power and potential of CT Medicaid’s new self-insured PCCM model. A representative from a national medical service company wanted to learn more about business opportunities in our state under the new arrangement. They provide medical supplies for people with a common chronic condition and have non-clinical technicians…
Read MoreACA caps on consumer spending would have helped 139,100 CT consumers this year
A report released today by Families USA finds that caps on what consumers have to pay for health care in the Affordable Care Act, if they were in effect this year, would have helped 139,100 Connecticut residents and saved families almost $250 million. Adjusted to today’s dollars, the caps limit consumers’ health costs over $5,950…
Read MoreMedicaid self-insurance/ASO planning meeting
Friday DSS met with advocates, providers, state agency representatives, and potential bidders to collect input on the RFP for an administrative services organization (ASO) contract for all 600,000 state Medicaid members. In a shift of policy, the Malloy administration announced three weeks ago that the state would be moving to a self-insured ASO model for…
Read MoreInsurance exchange planning meeting
CT’s Health Insurance Exchange Planning Group held its first meeting under the new administration. Filed legislation offers two very different views for CT’s health insurance exchange, particularly regarding the role of insurers and providers in developing standards and choosing health plans allowed to participate in the exchange. OPM reported on the RFP for development of…
Read MoreFree dental care resource
The CT State Dental Society website includes a new charitable outreach dental calendar outlining free dental care events across the state. The site lists what is covered, where, when, who is sponsoring, and how to get more information.
Read MoreState Health Insurance Exchange Webinar
Join the Council of State Governments for a webinar for our Eastern region states with Joel Ario, DHHS Director of the Office of Health Insurance Exchanges, to answer all our questions about federal funding and supports for states creating health insurance exchanges. The webinar is tomorrow, Feb. 23rd at 11:30 am. This promises to be…
Read MoreCT Health Foundation fellows program
The CT Health Foundation is currently seeking nominations for their Health Leadership Fellows Program. Training includes understanding and implementing health systems change solutions; developing strategic messaging and communications; and organizing and working in multidisciplinary teams. The Foundation is seeking people who will work to eliminate racial and ethnic health disparities. Applications are due by May…
Read MoreMedicaid Council update
Today’s meeting started with an entertaining LOB intruder alert drill by the Capitol Police. DSS described shift to ASO for Charter Oak, HUSKY A and B, low income adults and all other Medicaid clients. The goal is to create dynamic, innovative local systems of care and support that are rewarded for providing better value over…
Read MoreGovernor’s budget proposal out
Governor Malloy’s first budget proposal, released today, includes tough choices for health care consumers but also some very good news. New copays for Medicaid services will likely reduce both appropriate and inappropriate utilization, but all Medicaid members will be able to access important tobacco cessation treatment. Reductions in benefits for low income adults are concerning…
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