Posts by Ellen Andrews
Estimated costs of SustiNet options described
Stan Dorn of the Urban Institute outlined the estimated costs of six SustiNet coverage options at yesterday’s Board meeting. Under any of the options Connecticut’s uninsured rate drops by more than half, the state budget deficit is improved, small businesses save (mainly by reducing the number of workers they cover), SustiNet grows into a significant,…
Read MoreConsumers protest Anthem rate hike request
Consumer advocates demonstrated their concerns at a CT Insurance Dept. public hearing about Anthem’s request to raise premiums 20% or more. The consumers outlined the enormous economic burden this places on state residents and businesses while unemployment remains high and Anthem’s parent company made millions in profits last quarter. Policymakers questioned Anthem’s documentation to justify…
Read MoreCT’s Medicare patient centered medical home application — bad and good news
Unfortunately, CMS did not approve CT’s application to include Medicare in our patient-centered medical home plans for state employees and Medicaid. If it helps, we are in good company – Massachusetts and Maryland, states with sophisticated reform efforts – also did not get approved. But the good news is that the partners are all interested…
Read MoreeHealthCT’s Medicaid health information exchange up and running for real patients
CT’s pilot Medicaid health information exchange (HIE) project is up and securely sharing patient information successfully. Affirmative consent is collected from patients and registered with the HIE. The system can accommodate, among other things, secure email, eReferrals, lab data exchange, radiology image viewing and should conform with meaningful use criteria. The project has taken years…
Read MoreNY Times budget deficit graphic illustrates the scope of the problem
Yesterday’s NY Times Week in Review included a compelling graphic comparison of the federal budget deficit and options to fill it. The page long piece uses blocks to illustrate the size of the hole and how much or how little each option contributes to the solution. The options include spending cuts and revenue enhancements (taxes);…
Read MoreState Strategies for Health Reform Implementation conference
I’ve been in DC for a fascinating conference for state-based advocates on how we can influence and support health reform at home. First, it is an incredible opportunity to connect (and reconnect) with advocates from across the states, get ideas, share stories and learn what is really happening. For example, Utah’s much publicized insurance exchange…
Read MoreCandidate briefing book online
The 2010 CT Health Policy Project Candidate Briefing Book is now available online. Password protected access was sent before the primaries to every candidate registered with the Secretary of the State’s Office for all statewide offices, Congress, State Senate and House. The book has been updated periodically and is now available without a password at…
Read MoreHealth Care Advocate position posted
The state is seeking to fill the position of Health Care Advocate. The agency assists consumers struggling to access care in an increasingly hostile environment and makes recommendations to policymakers. For more information, click here.
Read MoreNY hospital takes artwork in exchange for care
28% of NY artists are uninsured. To meet the needs of their community – both artists and patients — Woodhull Medical Center in Brooklyn gives 40 credits toward health care services for every hour artists share with the hospital. Artists in Woodhull’s Artist Access Program take professional first photos of newborns and moms, provide storytelling…
Read MoreFifteen ways to save money in CT’s health care budget
The next administration faces an unprecedented budget deficit. The good news is that CT has barely scratched the surface of policy opportunities that save money, many of which also improve health care. Taking guidance from other states and other payers, we have assembled 15 ideas potentially reaching hundreds of millions in savings. We include PCCM,…
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