Hamden Info Session on Medicaid work requirements, Updates to caregiver resources

The Town of Hamden is sponsoring an Info Session on the new HUSKY work requirements on Wednesday, October 21st 6:00pm at Keefe Community Center, 11 Pine St. Spanish translation services will be available. Click here for more info. The panel will include: Join us Oct. 21st  to learn more about the changes coming to HUSKY.…

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Risk to CT hospitals from Medicaid cuts varies significantly

The federal budget bill, HR-1, will cause significant cuts across Connecticut’s healthcare landscape. Much of the cuts will fall on hospitals, but the burden will not be shared equally. A new analysis by Third Way estimates that statewide, Connecticut hospitals will lose $378 million annually over the next ten years due to federal Medicaid cuts.…

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CTNJ: CT needs to prepare for impending surge in uninsured care

Next year, we may look back fondly on the uninsured numbers released Tuesday estimating 26.7 million Americans were uninsured last year. Like the rest of the US, Connecticut’s uninsured rate fell significantly a decade ag, making it old news. Other healthcare issues have taken over the spotlight. But federal budget cuts will soon put the…

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Prescription Drugs chapter in CT Healthcare Explained updated

We’ve updated the Prescription Drugs chapter of CT Healthcare Explained. The update was prompted by new state law, the experience of Medicare price negotiation, changes to federal expert committees that advise regulation, and Trump administration efforts to lower prices. CT Healthcare Explained is our explainer website cutting through the complexities of our state’s healthcare system.…

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HUSKY changes coming — Caregivers keep your coverage

Under federal Medicaid budget cuts, starting in January over 300,000 HUSKY Part D members will have to be working or qualify for an exemption. The most common reason given by Connecticut Medicaid recipients for not working is that they are caring for family.  Caregiving is an exemption to Medicaid work requirements, but many will not…

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Book Club — Pre-Existing Conditions: How Lobbying Makes American Health Care More Expensive

If you’re still looking for a summer read, Pre-Existing Conditions, by Alex Garlick, is a good choice. This is the first deep dive I’ve found into the impact of state-based lobbying on healthcare costs. Most descriptions of healthcare policy, including the influence of lobbying, only looks at the federal level. Most important health policy happens…

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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…

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Public 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…

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Analysis: 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…

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CT 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…

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