Connecticut 2009 Health Policy Priorities

Go to Connecticut page »

• FY 2010 Budget
• HUSKY Reforms
• Autism Spectrum Disorder Coverage
• Cystic Fibrosis Screening
• Training Requirements for Pediatric Transport Attendants
• Commercial Health Insurance Reforms
• Catastrophic Insurance Pool

The Connecticut Legislature ended its session on June 3, 2009 without passing an FY2010 budget.  The legislature then began a special session, but were unable to come up with a budget agreement for over two months. On September 1, 2009, Governor Rell announced that she while she would not sign the Legislature's $37.6 billion budget, she would allow it to take effect. Highlights include:

• The Governor and the Appropriations Committee cut $500K from the $1 million budget for Outreach and Enrollment grants in Medicaid and CHIP. On May 28th the Governor issued a second budget proposal which includes elimination of the entire $1 million in outreach funding.
• The Appropriations Committee budget maintains coverage for legal immigrant children and pregnant women who have been in the U.S. less than 5 years.  The Governor has agreed to draw down federal funds for this population for April to June 2009 under CHIPRA. (More information: Connecticut Health Foundation)
• The Governor proposed increased cost-sharing through HUSKY B (CHIP) premium increases and implementing co-payments for HUSKY A (Medicaid), but the Appropriations Committee has rejected these proposals thus far. In the Governor's second budget, she proposes the following increased cost sharing in HUSKY B:  imposing monthly premiums on HUSKY B income band one (185%-235% of FPL) of $25 one child/$30 family max; and aligning HUSKY B co-pays with the new co-payment structure for state employees
• The Governor proposed strict prior authorization rules for pediatric mental health drugs.  The Appropriations Committee is proposing alternative, less strict prior authorization rules that may still make it difficult for children (and adults) to get needed mental health drugs.
• The Appropriations Committee has proposed restoring funding for independent performance monitoring of HUSKY.
The Governor originally proposed prior authorization for dental services; her latest proposal is for the dental carve-out contractor to be responsible for prior authorization for certain dental procedures for those under age 21.  
In the Governor's second budget she proposes a 10% reduction in Healthy Start. 

• An Act Concerning Husky Reform (HB 6402) would require the Department of Social Services (DSS) to extend coverage to certain legal immigrant children and pregnant women.
• It would require DSS to apply for a federal waiver to obtain federal Medicaid matching funds for existing state-funded medical assistance programs. 
• This bill also sets a deadline for the commissioner to apply for a federal waiver to provide family planning services to more women and it requires the commissioner to develop and implement a provider-directed care coordination program for HUSKY recipients by January 1, 2010.
• This bill did not pass this session.  Its provisions could be included in a budget implementer bill.

• The Legislature passed a bill (SB 301) that would require insurance companies to cover the medically necessary diagnosis and treatment of autism spectrum disorders for children. Governor rell signed the legislation on June 9th.  The law takes effect January 1, 2010.
• Current law requires coverage of physical, occupational, and speech therapy for children with ASD.  This bill would expand that coverage to include behavioral therapy for children under the age of 16, certain prescription drugs, psychiatric, psychological, and consultative services.
• The bill would allow insurance companies to set annual coverage maximums within certain specifications.

Additional Information: Hartford Courant

• In May 2009, the legislature passed and the governor signed An Act Requiring the Administration of a Screening Test for Cystic Fibrosis to Newborn Infants (Public Act 09-20). 
• This law requires all health care institutions to test newborn infants in their care for cystic fibrosis, as soon as medically appropriate.  The law does allow for certain exceptions including objections for religious reasons.

More Information: Stamford Plus

• An Act Concerning Patient Safety was passed by the legislature and signed by the Governor in May 2009 (Public Act 09-16). 
• It includes a provision that allows certain pediatric health care professionals to attend critical care transports of children between hospitals when medically necessary. The law requires attendees to have current training and certification in pediatric advanced life support.

• In an effort to provide universal coverage to Connecticut residents, lawmakers passed An Act Concerning the SustiNet Plan (HB 6600), which creates a 14-member Board of Directors to establish a public authority to administer a self-insured health care delivery plan.
• The legislation lays out an implementation plan that includes a phase-in of offerings to different groups and directs the board to develop a model benefit package and develop an outreach plan.
• It also includes several provisions aimed at improving the quality of health care in Connecticut.  For example, it would establish a Medical Home Advisory Committee to develop a medical home program for SustiNet Plan members, a Preventive Health Care Committee to improve community-based preventive health care infrastructure, and a Health Care Provider Committee to develop clinical care and safety guidelines.
• The bill passed both houses of the Legislature following various changes.  It is now awaiting the Governor's signature, though it is unclear whether or not she will sign it.

More Information: Progressive State Network

More Information: Hartford Courant

Go to Connecticut page »
Go to Connecticut 2008 Policy Priorities page »