Later in the meeting we heard from multiple groups at UConn,
which appears to be given most or all of the SIM functions. It was unclear how
and under what authority the proposals for these very important functions was
sole-sourced to UConn. One presentation was from the UConn School of Pharmacy
on how they intend to design and implement the new CT-specific medical home
standard. Unfortunately there were not many details on the plan and none of the
independent advocates’ concerns have been addressed or acknowledged. The plan
seems to be designed to track with requirements to get the federal funding
rather than CT experience and what is working well in our state. Consumer
advocates have emphasized that getting federal funds to state agencies and
consultants is not a high priority for consumers. Transparent, inclusive,
thoughtful processes leading to better access to quality care and cost control
are priorities for consumers. There is substantial
and growing evidence that national PCMH standards are working and
delivering on that triple aim, both nationally and in CT’s Medicaid program.