Calls for HUSKY parents notice to include help for uninsured

Today’s CT New Junkie highlights the lack of information to 17,688 working parents scheduled to lose HUSKY coverage July 31^st. Based on prior experience, it is expected that some will qualify for Medicaid in other categories, a smaller number will purchase coverage from AccessHealthCT, but many will lose coverage altogether.  Notices from the state to those parents include no mention of strategies to protect their health if they are losing coverage. Comments sent to state policymakers urge including information such as getting appointments for preventive care such as check ups and mammograms now, talking with providers to arrange care for ongoing health problems, negotiating payment rates, and getting a 90-day refill of prescriptions for chronic conditions. If the office says there are no appointments available, consumers should explain why they need one before August 1^st.

June web quiz: Health Risk Factors in CT

Test your knowledge of health risks among adults in CT. Take the June CT Health Policy Webquiz.

CT Health Reform Dashboard – lots of uncertainty, hard work ahead

Summer used to come with down time, but June’s CT Health Reform Dashboard update is anything but quiet. 17,688 HUSKY parents are scheduled to lose coverage at the end of next month. Serious concerns have been raised about the notices to members that miss critical information to help them plan for their health. Based on  those who lost coverage last year, over 6,500 working parents are expected to become uninsured this summer. Unbalanced notices are also an ongoing issue in Medicaid’s plans to move members into financial risk payment models. Advocates are urging changes to draft notices that include balance the potential benefits with  the risks of this very new model. The Health Care Cabinet has completed its survey of other states’ reforms. Now comes the hard part – making recommendations for Connecticut. The Governor’s CON Taskforce is also beginning their work making recommendations to ensure access and affordability in a competitive health care market. New reports confirm again that costs of coverage on AccessHealthCT, CT’s insurance exchange, are among the highest in the US, but the exchange has indicated interest in options to address the problem.

New Haven Register Forum: ICER part of solution in addressing drug effectiveness, cost

From yesterday’s New Haven Register:

The news is full of recent drug companies’ breathtaking price hikes. A new study by Reuters finds that prices for four of the top 10 U.S. drugs more than doubled since 2011, and prices for the other six rose more than 50 percent. These drugs treat common problems such as arthritis, asthma and high cholesterol levels affecting millions of Americans. Some new “blockbuster” drugs hold great promise to cure important health problems. But some, upon more study, are not much better than the older, cheaper drugs they are seeking to replace. . . . One very promising piece of the solution is gaining both attention and controversy. New research compares treatments, new and old, to find which are clinically effective and, only then, considers what they are worth, based on the benefit. This growing area of research gives patients and doctors the best evidence about what works and what it’s worth. These new efforts are helping to control costs while improving health outcomes. As a consumer advocate for over two decades, I am proud to sit on the Advisory Board of one of the prominent nonprofit organizations doing this research — the Institute for Clinical and Economic Review (ICER). Read more

46% of Americans can’t afford a $400 emergency; CT average individual deductible up to $1,547

A new survey by the Federal Reserve finds that almost half (46%) of Americans last year reported that an unexpected expense of $400 would be a challenge and they would have to put off the bill, borrow from family or friends or sell something to pay it. Many who experienced a financial hardship, especially low-income Americans, used credit cards, payday loans, loans against tax refunds, pawn shops or auto title loans to pay bills. The same survey found that 36% of Americans had a health emergency expense in the last year. 2014 data finds that three out of four Connecticut workers with employer coverage had a deductible, averaging $1,547 for individuals and $3,080 for families.

CT insurance exchange premiums high, but growing slower than national and regional averages

A new analysis by the Urban Institute finds that insurance exchange premiums for the lowest-cost Silver plan in CT averaged 0.7% growth annually over the last two years. This is well below growth at the national and regional averages of 5.5% and 4.2% respectively. While they aren’t rising as quickly, CT premiums started out much higher than other states. At $351/month, CT premiums for the lowest-cost Silver plan are higher than all but seven other states and 24% above the national average. Unfortunately a new report by Avalere, based on early proposed filings in nine states, rates may go much higher next year. It is important to note that most consumers are protected from full premium costs with income-based subsidies. 

National ACO survey echoes CT survey results

A national survey by the National Association of ACOs finds leaders are concerned about recovering their investments and pressure to share in losses. ACOs bristled at the assertion that up-side only shared savings arrangements are just bonuses. One survey respondent said, “The investment risk is substantial (in our case $2.5 million per year) with no guarantee of any return. I call that risk.” 43% of respondents said they would definitely or likely leave Medicare if forced to accept downside-risk arrangements. Our survey earlier this year of ACOs in CT found similar themes – concerns about recovering costs, modest savings, and an uncertain future. Both surveys include recommendations for policymakers and payers to promote success.