Sign in Subscribe
Health care industry

Connecticut Governor Signs Declaration to Keep Medicaid Fully Funded

Strategic Insights

— 1 min read

Governor Ned Lamont has signed a declaration allowing the Connecticut General Assembly to allocate funding necessary to maintain Medicaid payments through the remainder of the 2025 fiscal year. This move comes as the state's Department of Social Services estimates a significant increase in costs, necessitating an additional $284 million to ensure health care providers continue to receive payments. Over 900,000 residents, including children, seniors, and individuals with disabilities, rely on Medicaid for health coverage. The governor's declaration represents a response to the increasing costs driven by factors such as changes in enrollment mix, rising home health and pharmacy costs, and overall increased utilization of services.

Key Takeaways:

  • Governor Ned Lamont has signed a declaration enabling the Connecticut General Assembly to approve legislation for Medicaid funding.
  • The Connecticut Department of Social Services estimates an additional $284 million is needed to ensure Medicaid payments continue through the remainder of the 2025 fiscal year.
  • Over 900,000 residents in Connecticut rely on Medicaid for health coverage, including children, seniors, and individuals with disabilities.
  • Governor Lamont's declaration aims to clarify that the additional expenditure for Medicaid should not be considered part of the general budget for the 2026 fiscal year.
  • The governor is proposing reforms to contain costs, including repealing GLP-1s for weight loss and changing Connecticut's home-based services program to a waiver, which will limit enrollment.
  • The Department of Social Services plans to strengthen oversight of pharmacies to prevent waste and ensure patients receive necessary medication.

Statistics:

  • $284 million: The estimated additional funding required to maintain Medicaid payments through the remainder of the 2025 fiscal year.
  • 900,000: The number of Connecticut residents who rely on Medicaid for health coverage.
  • 2025: The fiscal year for which the additional Medicaid funding is needed.
  • 2007: The last time a similar declaration was issued, when Governor M. Jodi Rell signed a similar declaration.

Sources:

  • US State of Connecticut (HARTFORD, CT)
  • Declaration of the Existence of Extraordinary Circumstances

Read more