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CT Medicaid managed care study gets continued pushback from advocates
Katy Golvala, The Connecticut Mirror, Nov. 13
Providers and advocates continue to raise concerns over a potential return to a Medicaid managed care model in Connecticut. A landscape analysis is currently underway, meant to explore different Medicaid models including managed care. It has drawn criticism from some Medicaid providers, advocates, and enrollees, who have spoken out against the model at stakeholder meetings being held as a part of the study. They argue that it could lead to reduced access, increased cost and a lack of transparency. Governor Lamont’s office has said the study is only a tool to ensure the state is best serving its Medicaid members and no changes have been proposed yet.
Black infant mortality rate more than double the rate among white infants: CDC
Mary Kekatos and Dr. Harika Rayala, ABC News, Nov. 14
While infant mortality rates in the United States remained relatively unchanged from 2022 to 2023, racial and ethnic disparities persisted. Infants born to Black mothers died at much higher rates than those born to white and Asian mothers — more than double the rate of white infant mortality, according to the CDC. “I am not surprised; in particular infant mortality among Black women and infants is consistently higher than for white women, but I am disappointed that despite increased awareness and efforts to reduce the disparities, we are not seeing any progress in reducing the infant mortality rate among this population,” said Robin Jacob, an associate research professor at the University of Michigan.
Health Collective offers free four-month training to be a community health worker in Hartford
Cris Villalonga-Vivoni, CT Insider, Nov. 14
The Health Collective, a non-profit, launched a new four-month training course for Hartford residents interested in becoming community health workers. Under the program, participants will earn state certifications that will allow them to work in the field. The goal is to increase the number of community health workers who can help people who may not be receiving desperately needed services. “Not only are [community health workers] such critical pieces to our overall health and wellness systems in this country, but they’re sorely needed, and we need more of them,” said Chief Deputy Director Anthony DiLizia.
Medicaid may face big cuts and work requirements
Sarah Kliff and Noah Weiland, The New York Times, Nov. 20
Conservative lawmakers and policy experts who could advise the next Trump administration are discussing long-sought cuts to Medicaid. The program covers roughly a fifth of all Americans and makes up about 10 percent of the federal budget. Some of the policies being proposed include slashing funding for the Affordable Care Act’s Medicaid expansion — which added roughly 23 million people to the program — or requiring that many enrollees work in order to receive benefits. More than 70 percent of adults want Medicaid to stay largely as it is, according to a survey conducted this year by KFF.
Pay first, deliver later: Some women are being asked to prepay for their baby
Renuka Rayasam, KFF Health News, Nov. 15
Just 12 weeks into her pregnancy, Kathleen Clark was asked by her OBGYN office to pay $960, the total the office estimated she would owe after she delivered. People on online message boards and social media are also reporting that they are being asked by their providers to pay out-of-pocket fees earlier than expected. The practice is legal, but patient advocacy groups call it unethical. Up-front payments also create hurdles for women who may want to switch providers if they are unhappy with their care and in some cases, they may cause women to forgo prenatal care altogether.