Updated: HUSKY and work requirements – How to make it work
Download the update with revisions highlighted
We’ve updated our paper with recommendations for implementing federal changes and cuts to Medicaid that becomes effective January 1st of next year.
It’s expected that 137,000 Connecticut residents will lose coverage and our state will lose $118 billion over the next ten years as a result of the federal cuts. If history repeats, most people will lose coverage in error – they will be either working or exempt – but the process to verify that will fail them. Only two states have implemented Medicaid work requirements, and it hasn’t gone well.
This isn’t the state’s fault. DSS is doing all they can to cut as much red tape and make the process as user-friendly as possible, including hiring 50 new staff.
Connecticut is in a better place than other states to implement the federal law, HR-1. Our Medicaid program is a national leader in quality, access to care, and cost control. DSS has been a national leader in similar circumstances including the unwinding of coverage after COVID.
DSS has been very open to input. They’ve reached out to partners, stakeholders, and members for help and advice. We’ve updated our recommendations from November to reflect what we’ve learned and new information from the state.
The paper includes:
- Description of the requirement, the people affected, and where CT is
- Learning from other states
- Policy recommendations
- Communications
- Community partners
- Outreach
- Notices
- Verification processes
- Data reporting
- Employment support
- Assistance for members with reporting
- Verifying exemptions – caregiving, volunteering, medical frailty, education, in substance use treatment
- Proposals to prepare the state and to mitigate the harm
As HUSKY prepares for this crisis, we’ll be following new updates as they come.