Connecticut’s New Payment Model for Medicaid Maternity Patients Will Jeopardize Access to Care

The Connecticut Hospital Association (CHA), Connecticut State Medical Society, and Connecticut Section of the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists are warning that the payment model under the HUSKY Health maternity bundle will not only counteract goals to improve maternal health outcomes and advance health equity but will also jeopardize patient access to care.

The three healthcare organizations combined their voices in an op-ed published by the Hartford Courant on Wednesday, March 5, to amplify healthcare providers’ collective concern over the unintended consequences of the Department of Social Services’ (DSS) plan, which would change how doctors are paid for providing maternity care to low-income individuals covered by HUSKY Health (Connecticut’s Medicaid Program).

“We agree with the state that we need to do better for our neighbors.  But the proposed solution could make things worse by making the practice of maternal healthcare less financially sustainable,” the authors wrote.  “In essence, the model presented for HUSKY Health increases the services to be provided to patients and extends coverage later in the postpartum period — both good things — but it does not assure that the payment OB-GYN practices receive will be anywhere near adequate for the care they provide.”

The authors explain the policy’s good intent must be backed by a financing structure that will make it successful.  “Our fear is that faced with the stark reality of providing more care without compensation, some practices may be forced to stop accepting HUSKY Health patients.”

The authors of the op-ed include Mark Schaefer, vice president of system innovation and financing, CHA; Dr. Khuram Ghumman, president of the Connecticut State Medical Society; and Dr. Brian Riley, chair of the Connecticut Section of the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists.  They are urging state officials to work with healthcare providers to develop a solution that protects patients and expands healthcare access.

Click here to read the op-ed.