February 8, 2011

BETTER CARE FOR INDIVIDUALS, COST SAVINGS FOR STATE
Says CT Now Has Executive Leadership That Will Help Achieve Health Care Goals

House Speaker Christopher G. Donovan today said health care initiatives announced by Lt. Gov. Nancy Wyman “do exactly what Democrats in the legislature have attempted for years – putting health care management in the right hands (primary care doctors) and achieving significant cost savings for the state – perhaps as much as $75 million.”

Speaker Donovan said legislation passed in recent years under the Human Services Committee leadership of state representatives Peter Villano (D-Hamden) and Toni Walker would have provided residents and the state with similar benefits earlier but implementation was stymied by the Department of Social Services. He said the legislature anticipated savings of $60 million through a change in health care administration of Medicaid programs, and another $12 million by moving the HUSKY B program to the ASO model. Additional savings could be achieved through an enhanced federal match on the Money Follows the Person initiative.

“With new leadership in the executive branch, the people of Connecticut can begin to realize some of the real benefits of health care reform,” he said. “Our goals in health care have always been clear – quality care at affordable costs. Working together, our residents can now look forward to better care while the state realizes substantial savings.”

“Battling MCOs over coverage can be daunting and overwhelming for families,” Rep. Walker said. “For years, we have been working to provide families a more comfortable health care experience. And that is achieved through consistency – having a familiar doctor to rely on for your health care. With the ASO and PCCM model, you will deal with your doctor and your children’s pediatrician, not a faceless insurance company.”