Medicaid
On the Road: HUSKY work requirements
In the last month, our team has been to several community events, talking with people about new federal HUSKY Part D work requirements. DSS estimates that about 100,000 people could lose coverage starting in January. We are focused on letting caregivers know they are exempt from work requirements, but they can be hard to reach.…
Read MorePrices for two thirds of new drugs are above fair prices for their value
The average new US drug launch price in 2025 was $257,000 and almost a quarter launched above $500,000, according to the latest Launch Price and Access Report by ICER and the West Health. This is a 35% increase from 2022. Two thirds of the 26 new drugs reviewed exceeded the price range that reflects the…
Read MoreObesity in Connecticut is stabilizing, but it’s a serious problem. Federal cuts and high drug prices aren’t helping.
Just over 30% of Connecticut adults were obese last year, according to the latest report by the Trust for America’s Health. In good news, that rate has leveled off since 2021. Nationally, obesity rates are also stable at 40%. Unfortunately, that is too high. Obesity is associated with higher mortality and higher healthcare costs. Obese…
Read MoreHamden 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.…
Read MoreRisk 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.…
Read MoreCTNJ: 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…
Read MorePrescription 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.…
Read MoreHUSKY 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…
Read MoreBook 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…
Read MoreVT 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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