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Connecticut’s Experience as an Early Adopter of the Medicaid Expansion. Connecticut State Representative Elizabeth B. Ritter Progressive States Network Medicaid Expansion Webinar, April 22, 2013. Connecticut Medicaid Expansion.
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Connecticut’s Experience as an Early Adopter of the Medicaid Expansion Connecticut State Representative Elizabeth B. Ritter Progressive States Network Medicaid Expansion Webinar, April 22, 2013
Connecticut Medicaid Expansion • Connecticut is one of 11 states that partially expanded Medicaid coverage to low-income childless adults prior to Jan. 1, 2014. • Replaced a 100% state funded program that covered people up to 56% FPL with Medicaid. • Currently draws down a 50% federal match. • Starting Jan. 1, 2014, match will be 100%.
Expanded Medicaid Enrollment • CT expansion began in April 2010
Husky A (“Control Group”) Eligibility: • Children + parent/caretaker relatives <185% FPL • Pregnant women <250% FPL • Husky D (Expansion Group) eligibility: • Childless adults <56% FPL who do not receive federal supplemental security income
Causes of enrollment increase • Economic downturn • Removal of the $1,000 asset test • Pent up demand • Aggressive enrollment by hospitals, FQHCs, and other providers due to better reimbursement and better benefits package than previous SAGA Medical Program • New benefits included skilled nursing and better access to non-emergency transportation and home health services
Final Thoughts • Impact of economic downturn, unemployment, demographics, utilization may vary by state. • 100% federal reimbursement for first three years may capture the pent up demand. • More Medicaid dollars in the economy = state economic boost. • More coverage = reductions in uncompensated care costs. • Ensure Medicaid agency collects data on demographics and utilization to help monitor enrollment and cost trends.