Cost cap committee excludes patients’ provider choices from primary care spending increase

On Thursday, the main committee convened by the Office of Health Strategy (OHS) met to continue their work to set a cap on how much healthcare costs can increase and, at the same time, double spending on primary care. At the meeting they codified a narrow definition of primary care provider for purposes of calculating…

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OHS Cost Cap committee retreats on quality, providers driving the delay

The Office of Health Strategy (OHS) rejected concerns been raised by stakeholders and some Cost Cap committee members that the Cost Cap on healthcare spending will be implemented at least a year before reporting on quality performance. Concerns center on the possibility of lowering costs by lowering the quality of care to achieve the ambitious…

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Cost Cap outside input very different depending on perspectives

OHS got very different feedback on their Cost Cap project from two outside committees last week. The Healthcare Cabinet, chaired by OHS, was very supportive with one exception. In contrast, members of the Medicaid Oversight Council shared concerns only. In some respects, this reflects the differing experiences with past reforms between Medicaid and commercial plans.…

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Cost Cap committee considers who qualifies for increased primary care spending

In response to stakeholder feedback that the prior Cost Cap levels were unrealistic and risk unintended harm to patients, at their last meeting the Office of Health Strategy’s Cost Cap committee slightly softened the cap levels. The committee continued their discussion of which providers qualify as primary care providers. OHS wants to significantly increase the…

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Cost cap update – possible easing on growth cap but primary care target proves difficult

In response to concerns from many sources about potential harm to people, the Office of Health Strategy (OHS) is considering easing the proposed caps on the growth of all healthcare spending. In the latest Technical Team meeting, OHS and Bailit, the consultants running the project, said they would consider starting the cap next year higher…

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Cost cap project sets limits on healthcare spending without public input, ignoring pandemic impact

In meetings of the committee setting limits on healthcare spending for all Connecticut residents, it appears the advocates’ sign on letter and detailed concerns about the Office of Health Strategy’s (OHS’s) Cost Cap project were not heard. The plan is being developed by a Technical Advisory Team, with members chosen only by OHS, including some…

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Cost Cap project could reduce access to care, stifle efficiency and innovation, and increase disparities

Download the Summary or Full Report Healthcare costs a lot in Connecticut, especially for middle and lower income residents. Primary care is the foundation of a healthy health system. Lowering costs and supporting primary care are important goals, however the Office of Health Strategy’s (OHS) new plan to limit costs is ill-conceived and likely to…

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Advocates, providers send Governor, legislators letter about cost cap impact and unintended consequences

Yesterday, twenty advocates and providers sent letters to the Governor and legislative leaders objecting to the rush to develop a cap on healthcare cost increases during a pandemic, and to use the time to incorporate input from diverse stakeholders and for thoughtful design with a broad group chosen democratically. “This controversial proposal, if rushed ahead…

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Update: OHS committee slightly eases unrealistic cap for CT healthcare costs

In response to stakeholder concerns, at their July 29th meeting the Office of Health Strategy’s (OHS) Technical Team choosing the cap for future Connecticut healthcare costs eased their previous decision on how much healthcare costs for every state resident will be allowed to increase over the next five years. Many stakeholders have voiced concerns that…

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OHS committee chooses unrealistic cap for CT healthcare costs

The Office of Health Strategy’s (OHS) Technical Team choosing the cap for future Connecticut healthcare costs has decided on a 3.1% allowed increase for next year, dropping over time to 2.7% by 2025. To illustrate the impact of the cost cap, consider the significant variability in Connecticut’s per capita all-payer total healthcare cost increases from…

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