“It’s not
everyday that healthcare advocates and the Department of Social Services agree,
but that’s what’s happening in a debate on how to save money and make sure
residents, especially those on Medicaid, get the care they need”, according to today’s
CT News Junkie. The article gives a very understandable
description of the Health Care Cabinet’s Strawman proposal to shift everyone in
CT into downside risk financial arrangements. “Under
the model Bailit [consultants to the Cabinet] wants to explore, also known as
downside risk, doctors will lose money if they don’t save enough money on their
patients.” Advocates are concerned providers will leave Medicaid if downside
risk is implemented, as happened under
the similar capitated model in the 1990’s. Matt Katz, CEO of the CT State Medical Society
isn’t a fan, stating that downside risk is a “perverse incentive.” Many
concerns have been shared with the Cabinet,
including ours. The Cabinet meeting for next Wednesday the 28th to discuss proposed alternatives to the Strawman has been cancelled. Details to follow.
