DSS’s comprehensive HUSKY report finds a very strong program, with plans to improve
In response to 2023 legislation, on Tuesday DSS provided a 72-page comprehensive description and analysis of Connecticut’s Medicaid program to MAPOC, the program’s oversight council. The report also includes DSS’s strategy to improve the program and members’ health.
The report finds that the program’s performance is very strong. “Overall, the Medicaid program achieves good quality compared with national benchmarks, spends significantly less per member than other Northeastern states and national average, cost growth below medical inflation, and much less on administrative costs than states that primarily use a managed care delivery system.” (p. 25)
Access to care is very good compared to other states and significant majorities of Connecticut providers accept Medicaid patients. However, consumer surveys report an average five percent drop in those numbers.
Quality performance is also very good. HUSKY scores above the national average on 68% of federal quality measures and in the top quarter for almost half (47%). HUSKY ranks very well on primary/ preventive care, maternal/parental health, and oral health.
Patient experience of care survey performance measures are very similar to national measures. However, there is room to improve on some measures of access to care, provider ratings, and communication. DSS has a lengthy list of strategies to improve access to care.
Per person costs in the program are stable and rising less than other payers in Connecticut or national and regional Medicaid averages.
Stakeholder input to the report included Comments from four consumer advocate members of MAPOC, input from a former Medicaid official, and providers.
The report also includes detailed sections, including improvement strategies, on:
- Eligibility and demographics of members
- Structure of the program and agency responsibilities
- Health equity and disparities
- Cost containment
- Eligibility operations and policy
- Primary care
- Maternity services
- Early childhood services
- Medical chronic conditions
- Behavioral health
- Long term services and supports
- Nursing homes
- Pharmacy/prescription drugs
- Dental
- Non-emergency transportation
- Hospital services
- Health-related social needs
- Care management and coordination
- Health workforce development