CT Insurance Exchange update

Friday Trinity College sponsored “The Affordable Care Act: Implications for CT”, a conference on how CT is implementing health care reform and how our state’s system will be different. The conference highlighted Trinity’s new Masters Degree track in Health Policy. The insurance exchange was the subject of great interest, especially specific examples of household options…

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CT’s All Payer Claims Database – an important opportunity, if we do it right

A new report for the CT Health Foundation outlines CT’s progress and future options toward developing an All-Payer Claims Database (APCD). Putting all health care claims in the state across providers, payers and regions in one place would allow better health resource planning, identification of hotspots of high utilization, develop targeted solutions, improve patient safety…

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In Person Assisters application online

Health reform holds great opportunities and some responsibilities for uninsured CT residents and small businesses. But it can be confusing; there is a lot of misinformation. To help people learn about reform, sort out and understand their options, and application assistance, the Office Health Care Advocate is hiring In Person Assisters. Assisters will work with…

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IOM health equity conference in Hartford

Yesterday the Institute of Medicine held a compelling workshop, “Achieving Health Equity via the Affordable Care Act: Promises, Provisions, and Making Reform a Reality for Diverse Patients”, at the Mark Twain House in Hartford. The conference, sponsored by the CT Health Foundation, featured the Governor, Lt. Governor, and Congressman Larson as well as experts from…

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Exchange Board approves recommendation to limit insurer administration and profits

At yesterday’s meeting the CT Health Insurance Exchange Board unanimously approved a motion recommending that the state pass legislation limiting the amount of premiums insurers can spend on administration and profits, the Medical Loss Ratio (MLR), beyond the limits included in the federal Affordable Care Act (ACA). OPM Secretary Barnes made the recommendation in response…

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ConneCT consumer portal looks good

Today’s Medicaid Council focused on ConneCT, DSS’s new consumer portal and document management system. The demonstration by Deloitte was impressive. Unlike the insurance exchange portal, also developed by Deloitte, the DSS system is consumer-friendly, understandable, intuitive, quick, and will integrate medical assistance with other state assistance programs. The DSS portal took less than 5 minutes…

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Donaghue conference – How is science serving us?

This year’s Donaghue Foundation conference considers the role of science in our society. Speakers will discuss the history of science, it’s contribution to health and prosperity, and how citizens can be involved in developing science’s role. A Science Opportunities Fair will accompany the conference, highlighting CT institutions that bring science into society. The conference will…

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Help prevent cancer – sign up for a study

The American Cancer Society is beginning a long-term Cancer Prevention Study to study the causes of cancer, how to prevent it, and eliminate cancer as a major health concern for future generations. Previous studies demonstrated the links between cigarette smoking and lung cancer, aspirin use and reduced risk of colon cancer, postmenopausal hormone replacement therapy…

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CT up to 18.5% on health reform progress meter

CT policymakers have completed 18.5% of the tasks necessary for health reform; up from 17.7% from last month. Most tasks must be completed by Jan.1st of next year. Medicaid, patient-centered medical homes and payment reform/quality improvement are leading health reform according to April’s CT Health Reform Dashboard. The health insurance exchange, health information technology, and…

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Exchange meeting update

Monday morning the CT Health Exchange Board held a special meeting by phone with only a few days notice and only noticed on their website. The purpose of the meeting was to increase, yet again, costs for consumers in the exchange. They reduced the prescription deductible in the unsubsidized silver standard plan to $400 from…

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