HB 5455, An Act Concerning The Efficiency Of The Department Of Social Services In Determining Eligibility For Medical Assistance And Responding To Requests For Information Or Assistance

TESTIMONY OF CONNECTICUT HOSPITAL ASSOCIATION SUBMITTED TO THE HUMAN SERVICES COMMITTEE

Tuesday, March 12, 2024

The Connecticut Hospital Association (CHA) appreciates the opportunity to submit testimony concerning HB 5455, An Act Concerning The Efficiency Of The Department Of Social Services In Determining Eligibility For Medical Assistance And Responding To Requests For Information Or Assistance. CHA supports the bill.

Connecticut hospitals are crucial to their communities. They are navigating the complexities of a post-pandemic healthcare environment with a dedicated workforce that continues to deliver exceptional care. Despite these efforts, hospitals face significant challenges, including treating increasingly complex patients, difficulties in staffing, and financial pressures. Hospitals remain committed to providing high-quality, round-the-clock care for everyone who walks through their doors, enhancing the equity of Connecticut’s healthcare system, and driving innovation within the state.

HB 5455 mandates that the Commissioner of the Department of Social Services (DSS) study the efficiency of DSS’s Medicaid eligibility determination processes and the Department’s responsiveness to requests for information or assistance via telephone. The bill requires DSS to report its findings to the Human Services Committee by October 1, 2024.

CHA appreciates the Committee’s focus on this important issue, which impacts both HUSKY-eligible individuals and healthcare providers. Access to consistent medical coverage is essential for maintaining good health. For individuals awaiting HUSKY eligibility determinations, timely information from DSS is crucial for accessing necessary services, including medical, dental, behavioral health care, long-term care services, and pharmacy benefits. Ensuring prompt decisions and responsive support is vital.

For healthcare providers, timely eligibility determinations are essential to delivering appropriate care in a timely manner, often being key to safe hospital discharge. For example, timely eligibility for Medicaid’s Money Follows the Person program is often critical for discharging patients to home care, avoiding unnecessary hospital stays and freeing up beds for other patients.

Delays in eligibility reviews can also have financial repercussions for hospitals. While Medicaid payments do not cover the full cost of care, they are a significant revenue source due to the large number of HUSKY patients served. Delays in eligibility determinations create financial uncertainty and operational challenges for hospitals.

DSS has collaborated with CHA to enhance the timeliness of Medicaid eligibility determinations, including retroactive Medicaid and emergency Medicaid coverage. CHA supports ongoing efforts to identify and address additional areas for improvement, particularly in long-term care, to streamline Medicaid processes. HB 5455 will contribute to these efforts by further identifying issues and improving the efficiency of the Medicaid program in the state.

Thank you for considering our position. For additional information, please contact CHA Government Relations at (203) 294-7310.