Despite the complexities surrounding the unwinding of Medicaid provisions outlined in the Consolidated Appropriations Act (CAA), 2023, Connecticut has emerged as one of the top 10 states in the nation for retaining Medicaid and Children's Health Insurance Program (CHIP) coverage for its youngest enrollees, according to a new report by Georgetown University researchers. As the public health emergency of COVID-19 winds down, Connecticut's proactive measures have ensured the continuous coverage of essential healthcare services for its citizens.
Under the CAA, states received increased federal Medicaid matching rates in exchange for commitments to maintain continuous coverage for those enrolled in Medicaid. With the phased unwinding process initiated in 2023, states faced the challenge of balancing renewal procedures with ensuring uninterrupted access to healthcare for millions of Americans. This process began in April 2023 and involved the hard work of DSS employees and operational partners to ensure those who continued to qualify stayed enrolled.
Connecticut's strategic approach to Medicaid unwinding has yielded promising results, with the state maintaining high enrollment retention rates for children and adults compared to national averages. According to the Georgetown study Connecticut neither gained or lost enrollment among children during this time period, even though there have been fluctuations by month. Through meticulous planning and execution, Connecticut has minimized procedural disenrollments and prioritized streamlined renewal processes for its Medicaid and CHIP beneficiaries.
"While navigating the complexities of Medicaid unwinding, Connecticut remains steadfast in its commitment to safeguarding healthcare access for its residents," DSS Commissioner Andrea Barton Reeves said. "Our proactive measures and robust infrastructure have enabled us to prioritize the needs of our Medicaid and CHIP enrollees, ensuring continuity of care during these unprecedented times."
Connecticut's performance in Medicaid/CHIP enrollment retention underscores the state's dedication to equitable healthcare access for all its citizens. By implementing effective policies and leveraging available resources, Connecticut continues to set a precedent for other states striving to navigate the evolving landscape of healthcare delivery.
As the nation progresses towards post-pandemic recovery, Connecticut’s inclusion among the top 10 states in Medicaid/CHIP enrollment retention reaffirms its status as a leader in healthcare excellence.
For more information, contact Christine Stuart, deputy director of communications for DSS at 860-822-7588 or Christine.stuart@ct.gov.