Budget Process
News Round up
Public hearings for rate increases approved by Appropriations Committee http://www.ctnewsjunkie.com/ctnj.php/archives/entry/insurance_dept._public_hearing_bill_clears_appropriations/ Medical marijuana bill passes Public Health Committee http://www.ctnewsjunkie.com/ctnj.php/archives/entry/medicinal_marijuana_passes_public_health and http://www.ctmirror.org/story/12453/federal-prosecution-remains-uncertain-legislators-move-forward-medicinal-marijuana-propo and http://www.courant.com/health/connecticut/hc-weir-medical-marijuana-0504-20110503,0,6931683.story OP-ED — Why I’ll be opting out of CT’s health information exchange http://www.ctnewsjunkie.com/ctnj.php/archives/entry/op-ed_why_ill_be_opting_out_of_connecticuts_health_information_exchange/ SustiNet press http://www.ctmirror.org/story/12394/sustinet-rally and http://www.ctnewsjunkie.com/ctnj.php/archives/entry/red_shirts_rally_for_public_option and http://www.ctnewsjunkie.com/ctnj.php/archives/entry/op-ed_why_we_still_need_sustinet/ Paid sick days debate continues http://www.newhavenindependent.org/index.php/health/entry/paid_sick_days Questions about pooling plan and nonprofits http://www.ctmirror.org/story/12467/nonprofits-state-employee-plan…
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…
Read MoreCost cutting commission final proposals
The state Commission on Enhancing Agency Outcomes issued its final recommendations to save money in the state budget including over $145 million from health care spending. Proposals include more efficient Medicaid drug purchasing, drug recycling, preventing falls, and reducing the number of nursing home beds in the state and re-balancing long term care to emphasize…
Read MoreState panel recommends $140 million in health care budget savings
Over half the recommended budget proposals for state budget savings from the Commission on Enhancing Agency Outcomes focus on health care spending. The savings center on prescription spending in Medicaid and moving nursing home residents to assisted living. The Commission is Co-Chaired by Sen. Gayle Slossberg and Rep. James Spallone. Ellen Andrews
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 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,…
Read MoreBudget agreement reached
The Governor and General Assembly have reportedly reached an agreement on changes to next year’s budget, beginning July 1st, to cover a $2 billion deficit. The agreement includes converting HUSKY to a self-insured ASO model saving $77 million and increases in copays and premiums for HUSKY Part B families, saving $576,000. The legislature is expected…
Read MoreHouse passes budget mitigation plan
Yesterday the House approved a plan to address the $371 million deficit in this year’s state budget. The Senate will vote on the plan today and the Governor is expected to sign it. The bill includes freezing subsidized enrollments in the Charter Oak program at the end of this month; consumers paying full cost will…
Read MoreCT Medicaid wins in health reform reconciliation bill
The reconciliation bill scheduled to be considered this weekend by Congress benefits CT’s Medicaid program, and the state bottom line, in significant ways. The bill would expand Medicaid coverage to all state residents (except undocumented immigrants) up to 133% of the federal poverty level (FPL) — $14,620.50 for individuals and $19,669.50 for a family of…
Read MoreMedicaid Managed Care Council meeting update
Friday’s Council meeting was uneventful. After a year, there are 342 people in PCCM/HUSKY Primary Care; legislation requires at least 1,000. Despite that, DSS is steaming ahead on plans to evaluate the program by July 1st. It is fascinating that they are just now deciding to comply with deadlines in this program – they have…
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