CT’s final SIM plan: Consumer advocates have questions

Connecticut’s executive branch policymakers have finished the State Innovation Model (SIM) plan to fundamentally transform our state’s fragmented health care system – both how care is delivered by doctors, hospitals and other providers, and how it is paid for. SIM is meant to cover at least three million state residents – Medicare, Medicaid, employer benefits and private insurance – within five years. The SIM results from a federal grant opportunity to develop a plan to restructure our state’s health system. Advocates and others have sent letters and public comments raising concerns about transparency, lack of stakeholder engagement, payment incentives that could create incentives to deny needed care, and new medical home standards.

Based on the final plan, independent advocates representing Connecticut health care consumers have drafted initial questions about the SIM plan and how leaders intend to implement it.