Health Care Reform

May 17, 2012 caringfamilies No comments

The 2012 Legislative Session ended without the health care bills raised in the House and Senate.  The difficulty in passing the Basic Health Program, Expand Small Business Health Care and Health Information Technology Exchange is impending on the Supreme Court ruling on the Patient Protection Affordable Care Act (ACA) due the end of June.  The Supreme Court decision may impact federal regulation and funding availability necessary for these bills.

While we wait for the outcome of the ACA, efforts to affect the Health Exchange Board to include consumer representation will be addressed in the implementer bill, since the Exchange Board bill was not passed in the Senate.

As we move forward, there are opportunities for the public to discuss health care needs in their respective communities.  These public forums are being sponsored by the Connecticut Commission on Health Equity.  Caring Families Coalition urges you to attend these meetings to provide information on your community’s needs.  The meetings will be held on:

May 22,  5-7 pm                 Generations Family Health Center, 40 Mansfield Avenue, Willimantic

May 23,  6:30-7:30 pm     Southeastern Mental Health Authority, 401 Thames St, Bldg. 301, Norwich  

June 11     Tentative date in New London  

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Legislative Session Ends May 9th–ONLY 7 DAYS

May 2, 2012 caringfamilies No comments

Contact your Senator and Representative TODAY.
Tell them you want them to pass 3 health care bills.

  •   Establish a State Basic Health Program (House Bill 5450) – Makes health coverage affordable for low and moderate income people.
  •   Expand Small Business Health Care (House Bill 5487) – Creates new health coverage choices for small businesses.
  •   The Health Information Technology Exchange of Connecticut (Senate Bill 368) – Adds consumer consent to sharing medical information, opt in rather than opt out.

 

What’s at stake?

  •    Quality, affordable health care choices for people without insurance
  •    New health care options for small businesses to help them be competitive
  •    Consumers consent to share medical history on the exchange.

We all lose if your State Senator and State Representative don’t pass these bills by May 9.

  •   More people left without quality, affordable insurance coverage
  •   More small businesses left on their own in the health insurance market
  •   Consumers will be sharing their medical information on the Exchange without prior consent.

To find your legislator click below:

Senate: http://cga.ct.gov/asp/menu/CGAFindLeg.asp

House:  http://cga.ct.gov/asp/menu/CGAFindLeg.asp

Below are suggested wording to your legislators.

Dear (Legislator),

 

The State Basic Health Program, HB 5450, will provide an affordable alternative to purchasing insurance in the Health Insurance Exchange for low-income people. This would add 75,000 adults in CT with affordable, quality health care that otherwise are without health insurance and cost the taxpayers expensive emergency services.  It is funded with federal funds and that would save the state $48 million dollars.  The administration of the Basic Health Program under the state auspices allows continuity of care when individuals lose their job since systems will match the Medicaid program.  CT will gain revenue by keeping employed residents healthy and working.

 

The Small Business/Nonprofits Affordable Health Care, H.B.5487 offers a similar alternative for small business and self-employed to be administered by the state.  This would increase the number of insured workers with affordable buying power, allow small businesses and nonprofits to hire more workers, and discontinue subsidizing with emergency health care.  If jobs are the number one concern in the CT General Assembly, then this bill should be passed to improve the economy.

 

The Health Information Technology Exchange of Connecticut, S.B.368 allows consumers to consent to sharing their medical information on the Exchange.  Consumers will be invited to opt in rather than opt out and is used to maintain patient centered care.

 

Please vote and persuade your colleagues to vote for H.B.5450, H.B.5487, and S.B.368 to improve CT’s economy, state budget and the lives of working poor.

 

Please let me know your position on these bills. Thank you.


 

 

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Coffee and Conversations with Eastern CT Legislators

April 23, 2012 caringfamilies No comments

“Coffee and Conversation”

with Generations Staff and the Legislators

Friday, April 27, 2012

8:30 a.m. to 10:00 a.m.

at

Generations Family Health Center

40 Mansfield Avenue, Willimantic

Please RSVP to Sandra Silvay @

860-456-6270 or ssilvay@genhealth.org

(Please reply by Tuesday, April 24th

so that I may have a count for ordering breakfast)

Attached are keypoints on current health care bills that you can ask your legislator to vote yes on.

Key Talking Points for Bills 2012

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Health Care Action Day

April 23, 2012 caringfamilies No comments

–  NOW IS THE TIME TO ACT  –

WHOSE VOICE WILL BE HEARD? 

YOURS OR CORPORATIONS?

 On Wednesday, April 25, 2012, CFC will join its advocacy partner, healthcare4every1 to fight big insurance companies like CIGNA, and groups like the Connecticut Business and Industry Association (CBIA) that stand in the way of greater access to affordable healthcare options for individuals, families, and small business.

For program of activities for April 25, 2012 from 12 pm to 6 pm, click this link.  Health Care Action Day Final.pdf

Please join in our efforts and register for the event at   INFOR@HEALTHCAREFOREVERY1.ORG (Free bag lunch for all who register)

WHAT ELSE CAN YOU DO?


Contact YOUR LEGISLATORS and DEMAND –
AFFORDABLE HEALTH CARE TO KEEP PEOPLE ALIVE AND WORKING
SAVE TAXPAYERS MONEY
Review Key Talking Points for Bills 2012.doc for more information.

Increase PUBLIC AWARENESS on health care legislation

  •  Write to your newspaper
  •  Tell the public on Talk Radio
  •  Talk to your community organizations
  •  Talk to your family, friends and neighbors

TAKE ACTION TO WIN THE FIGHT FOR CT HEALTH CARE — The session ends May 9th!

 

 

 

 

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Events and Updates

March 26, 2012 caringfamilies No comments

Your support is needed:

WHEN     Tuesday, March 27, 2012, 10:30 a.m.

WHERE   Outside LOB – Minutemen Park

WHO       Speaker Donovan, Betsy Ritter, Senator Terry Gerratana and other legislators and advocates

WHAT     Press conference commemorating the second anniversary of the federal health reform law and call on the Supreme Court not to roll back reforms that are already benefiting Connecticut residents.

BRING    Red or white CFC t- shirts and signs!

*************************************************************************************

WHEN    Wednesday, March 28, 2012,  4-6 p.m.

WHAT    Rally to commemorate Patient Protection Affordable Care Act

WHERE  Jillson Square, Willimantic

BRING    Red or white t-shirts and signs!

 

************************************************************************************

WHEN     Thursday, March 29, 2012

WHAT     Public Health Committee vote on SB 425:  An Act Concerning a Basic Health Program

ACTION  Contact your legislators on the Public Health Committee and urge them to:
-       be in Hartford on Thursday for the Committee vote on SB 425
-       vote in support of SB 425
-       vote against amendments to SB 425.

 

Key Talking Points

1.      State Basic Health Program (SBHP) is an option under federal health care reform designed to provide an affordable alternative to purchasing insurance in the Health Insurance Exchange for low-income people in high cost states like Connecticut.
2.      Through a State Basic Health Program, Connecticut could provide good health care to about 75,000 adults with incomes between 133% and 200% of the federal poverty level at less cost to the consumer.
3.      The State Basic Health Program could be designed so that it is funded entirely with federal funds.
4.      If the State Basic Health Program mirrored Medicaid, the state could save $50 million in state Medicaid spending by covering HUSKY parents with incomes over 133% fpl who are currently covered in Medicaid.
5.      The legislature needs to act NOW. The Health Insurance Exchange and the State Basic Health Program need to be planned at the same time and Exchange planning is happening now.

UPDATES

H.B.5487:  AN ACT CONCERNING THE RECOMMENDATIONS OF THE SMALL BUSINESS HEALTHCARE WORKING GROUP AND CLAIMS INFORMATION REQUIRED TO BE PROVIDED BY INSURERS passed Insurance & Real Estate Committee and Planning & Development Committee.

H.B.5450: An Act Concerning a Basic Health Program passed Human Services Committee.

Advocacy Activites, Federal Issues, Legislative Updates, Local Issues ,

CT Partnership Plan

March 18, 2012 caringfamilies No comments

In the 2011 Legislative session, the new CT Partnership Plan intended to save money on health insurance premiums by joining the state health care plan is ready for business.  This plan is offered to towns, cities and school boards.

The state comptroller’s office analyzed more than 50 municipal employers and found that municipalities  can save 5 – 8% on health insurance premiums. This policy change will provide relief on local property tax payers.

To find out if your municipality can save money, call or email the Office of the State Comptroller’s Healthcare Analysis Unit:  860-702-3650 or PartnershipPlan@po.state.ct.us

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Basic Health Program, Public Health Committee Hearing

March 16, 2012 caringfamilies No comments

S.B.425: An Act Concerning A Basic Health Program

Public Health Committee Hearing

Co-Chairs of the Committee are Senator Terry Gerratana and Representative Elizabeth Ritter.

Wednesday, March 21, 2012

10:00 AM in Room 1D of the LOB

The Committee is accepting electronic testimony via email at phc.testimony@cga.ct.gov. Please submit electronic testimony no later than 8:00 P.M. on Tuesday, March 20, 2012. If you are unable to submit electronic testimony, please submit 10 copies of written testimony no later than 8:30 A.M. on Wednesday, March 21, 2012 in Room 3000 of the LOB. Please submit separate testimony for each bill. Testimony submitted after the deadline will be made available after the hearing. Sign-up for the hearing will begin at 9:00 A.M. in the First Floor Atrium of the LOB. The first hour of the hearing is reserved for Legislators, Constitutional Officers, State Agency Heads and Chief Elected Municipal Officials. Speakers will be limited to three minutes of testimony. Bills will be heard in the order listed in the Bulletin.

Click here for written bill http://cga.ct.gov/2012/TOB/S/2012SB-00425-R00-SB.htm

Click here for fact sheet:  BHP fact sheet

Writing Tips:

1. State Basic Health Program (SBHP or BHP) is an option under federal health care reform designed to provide an affordable alternative to purchasing insurance in the Health Insurance Exchange for low-income people in high cost states like Connecticut.

 

2. Connecticut could provide affordable, good quality health care to about 75,000 adults with incomes between 133% and 200% of the federal poverty level under a State Basic Health Program.

 

3. The State Basic Health Program could be designed so that it is funded entirely with federal funds.[1] Mercer report to the Health Exchange Board modeled three different scenarios for a State Basic Health Program. In each scenario, the State Basic Health Program could be funded by the Mercer estimates of available federal funds.

 

4. If the State Basic Health Program mirrored Medicaid, the state could save $48 million in state Medicaid spending by covering HUSKY parents and pregnant women with incomes over 133% fpl who are currently covered in Medicaid.

 

5. The State Basic Health Program should mirror Medicaid because:

- it will be easier for DSS to administer Medicaid and SBHP if the systems match

- Medicaid provides benefits that are particularly important to low-income people and are not adequately covered in commercial plans, including mental and oral health services and transportation

- there will be continuity of care and ease of administration if an individual’s income fluctuates above and below 133% FPL in the course of a year.

 

[1] If the state establishes a State Basic Health Program, adults with incomes between 133 – 200% FPL would not be eligible for subsidies in the Health Insurance Exchange that will be established in 2014. Instead, the state would receive federal funding to pay for health care in the State Basic Health Program.

 

Advocacy Activites, Legislative Updates, Uncategorized

Public Hearings for HB:5487 and HB:5450, March 13th

March 9, 2012 caringfamilies No comments

The Bill that will permit small employers with less than 50 employees, including self-employed individuals to purchase employee health insurance through the state employee plan is:

HB:5487 AN ACT CONCERNING THE RECOMMENDATIONS OF THE SMALL BUSINESS HEALTHCARE WORKING GROUP AND CLAIMS INFORMATION REQUIRED TO BE PROVIDED BY INSURERS.

Testimony should be submitted by 11:00 a.m., March 13th or submitted electronically at instestimony@cga.ct.gov.

The Basic Health Program that provides “essential health benefits” to uninsured adults with annual incomes that fall below 200% federal poverty level will be able to buy affordable health insurance with the subsidized assistance. The bill is:

HB:5450 AN ACT ESTABLISHING A BASIC HEALTH PROGRAM.

This bill will have two public hearings.  The Human Services Committee will hold a public hearing on Tuesday, March 13, 2012 at 3:30 P.M. in Room 1C of the LOB.  Please submit 25 copies of written testimony to Committee staff three hours prior to the start of the hearing in Room 2000 of the LOB.  Sign-up for the hearing will begin at 10:00 A.M. in Second Floor Atrium of the LOB.  Sign up will be by lottery.  The first hour of the hearing is reserved for Legislators, Constitutional Officers, State Agency Heads and Chief Elected Municipal Officials.  Speakers will be limited to three minutes of testimony.  Please submit electronic testimony to subira.gordon@cga.ct.gov by 3:30 P.M. on Monday, March 12, 2012.

The Public Health Committee will hold a public hearing on Wednesday, March 21.  Exact location TBD.  Please submit 35 copies of written testimony to the Committee staff or email at PHC.Testimony@cga.ct.gov.

Advocacy Activites, Legislative Updates , ,

Affordable Health Care for Small and Self Employed Businesses, Action Needed NOW

March 7, 2012 caringfamilies No comments

Good news for small and self employed businesses on affordable health care!  Action is required to pass state legislation that pools small business for affordable health insurance.  The opposition will be heard by legislators.   Will your voice be heard?

Speaker Donovan, Rep. Megna, Sen. Crisco and members of the working group will hold a press conference announcing the Working Group’s Recommendations at 11:30 in the Atrium on the Second Floor of the Legislative Office Building. .

A public hearing has been scheduled in the Insurance Committee next Tuesday, March 13th  at 1:00 pm, LOB, Room 2B.

Your testimony and personal story are an important part of the legislative process. Please let me know if you plan to testify, would like to have someone sign you up, or submit copies of your testimony to the committee. Instructions on testifying are included below.

Key Features of the Bill  -  The bill number will be available later this week.

Permits small employers with less than 50 employees, including self-employed individuals, to purchase employee health insurance through the state employee plan.

    • This would allow small employers to take advantage of the state’s bargaining power, which enables it to secure good health insurance at good prices.

Eliminates insurers’ ability to adjust small group premiums based on age, gender, occupation or group size.

    • This means that premiums will no longer rise just because employees grow older, removing a disincentive to small employers hiring older, more skilled workers.

Requires insurers to rate and offer policies to associations.

    • Small employers are at a disadvantage because they have little leverage in the marketplace. This provision would enable them to band together with their professional associations and receive a premium quote based on the health experience of the entire group.

Requires insurers to report on whether employers’ current insurance plans meet the minimum standards that will be in place in 2014.

    • In order to fulfill the federal individual responsibility requirement in 2014, a health insurance policy must cover at least 60% of medical expenses. Employers need this information as soon as possible so that they can seek out affordable options for themselves and their employees if their current coverage does not meet this floor.

The Insurance and Real Estate Committee will hold a public hearing on Tuesday, March 13th, 2012 at 1:00 P.M. in Room 2B of the LOB. Please submit 25 copies of written testimony to Committee staff two hours prior to the start of the hearing in Room 2800 of the LOB. Sign-up for the hearing will begin at 11:00 A.M. in Room 2800 of the LOB. The first hour of the hearing is reserved for Legislators, State Agency Heads and Chief Elected Municipal Officials. Bills will be heard in the order listed in the Bulletin. Speakers will be limited to three minutes of testimony. Unofficial sign-up sheets have no standing with the Committee.

Stay tuned for bill number and online testimonial submission.  For assistance, call Caring Families Coalition, 860-524-0502.

Advocacy Activites, Legislative Updates , ,

Fight for fair individual insurance plans

March 1, 2012 caringfamilies No comments

WHAT :  Now is the time to support fair health insurance plans.

WHY:   The Public Health Committee raised the Basic Health Program (bill number to be determined) on February 24th, and will be holding public hearings with only a couple days notice.

NEEDED:  Your testimony to support

  • Fair market value and costs for individual health insurance
  • Essential health benefits
  • Patient centered continuity of care
  • No more spend-down problems

Two ways to submit testimony:

  • Attend the public hearing and tell your story (date to be determined).

For more information or assistance:  Contact our office, 860-524-0502.

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