An Act Concerning Twice Annual Reporting By The Department Of Social Services On Medicaid Reimbursement For Community Health Worker Services.
Summary
SB 1470 requires the Commissioner of Social Services to continue and refine a Medicaid reimbursement program for certified community health workers serving HUSKY Health members. The bill specifies the types of services that may be reimbursed, including care coordination across medical, oral, and behavioral health services, navigation of health systems and social supports, prenatal and postpartum supports, and health promotion and self-management education.
The measure also directs DSS to consult with community health workers, Medicaid beneficiaries, and advocates, including disability advocates, during program design and implementation. That consultation must be inclusive of both community-based and clinic-based workers, reflect the demographics of medical assistance program members, and consider program structures that preserve access, encourage workforce growth, and avoid incentives that could reduce use of community health workers by other providers.
Impact
The bill amends section 17b-28l of the general statutes and takes effect upon passage. It changes the reporting requirement from annual reporting to twice-yearly reporting by DSS to the Human Services Committee and the Council on Medical Assistance Program Oversight, with the first report due at least six months before the reimbursement program is implemented. The reports must update lawmakers on program design and implementation and evaluate effects on access, workforce growth, health outcomes, and health equity. The bill primarily affects DSS, Medicaid/HUSKY Health administration, certified community health workers, and the beneficiaries who receive their services.
Sentiment
The available voting history suggests broad support for the bill, with the House Joint Favorable Substitute vote passing 20-2. No committee transcript was provided, so there is no recorded floor or committee debate to indicate substantial opposition. The overall tone appears favorable toward strengthening and monitoring community health worker reimbursement within Medicaid.
Contention
The main policy issues embedded in the bill are how to design reimbursement so that community health workers remain accessible, how to grow the workforce, and how to avoid unintended financial incentives that could cause other providers to limit referrals or access. The bill also reflects a concern that the program should serve a diverse Medicaid population and include input from disability advocates and both clinic-based and community-based workers. The small number of negative votes suggests some limited disagreement, but no specific objections are available in the provided materials.