Budget Process
Governor’s budget update proposal
The Governor’s midterm budget adjustment proposals include maintaining the increase in primary care provider rates that began last year costing the state $15 million in FY 2015 and $36 million in future years. The Affordable Care Act provided full federal funding to cover the cost of those rate increases for 2013 and 2014 only. Those…
Read MoreGovernor’s initial budget cuts
Yesterday the administration announced an initial list of $170 million in cuts to address the growing state budget deficit. The cuts include AIDS services, breast & cervical cancer detection and treatment, home care, Healthy Start, and DSH payments to hospitals. The cuts also include $1.5 million from HUSKY B, but expenses were down significantly in…
Read MoreGovernor’s proposed budget adjustments – one major health change
The Governor’s proposals to adjust the current biennial budget include changes to LIA (the former SAGA program). When SAGA was merged into Medicaid in 2010, creating LIA, the asset limit of $1,000 was removed. Since that time enrollment has grown significantly due in part to removing the asset limit (the economy doubtless had something to…
Read MoreHealth cuts in budget deal
The new plan to balance the state’s budget was unveiled Friday. Proposed cuts touch most areas of state spending, including health and the safety net. The Governor’s office was clear that these cuts were not their first choice and they worked hard to avoid making them. Health care cuts include $7.7 million in Medicaid fees…
Read MoreAlternate budget ugly, especially for working parents’ health care
Budget options being considered by the administration if negotiators are not able to agree on labor concessions include cutting HUSKY parent eligibility from the current 185% of the federal poverty level ($34,281/yr for a family of three) to 133% ($24,645 for that same family). The Rowland administration made a similar cut in 2003, causing thousands…
Read MoreNews 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);…
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