Minor adjustments might be needed, but implementing the SustiNet health care law will be easier and less costly due to the passage of federal legislation, according to report presented to the state General Assembly.
“Connecticut”™s reform efforts have placed the state in an excellent position to take advantage of new federal resources offered by the health reform law President Obama signed earlier this year,” said State Comptroller Nancy Wyman.
Wyman and health care advocate Kevin Lembo presented the 60-day report on behalf of the SustiNet Health Partnership board of directors.
The report detailed preliminary recommendations for the implementation of the SustiNet plan.
The analysis details the effect of national health reform on the state”™s 2009 legislation, which sought to guarantee coverage to all Connecticut residents while slowing the current growth in health care costs and improving health care quality.
Wyman said there are some questions identified in the report that pertain to how SustiNet would work with federal reform. “Fortunately, both pieces of legislation share many common elements,” she said.
The three core elements of adjustment in SustiNet to enable it to conform with federal law, as defined by the report, are immediate implementation of SustiNet delivery system reforms,
SustiNet as an option for employers and individuals, and implementing the basic health program option.
Described as the “one key conclusion” in the report, it is stated that “federal reform provides a solid foundation for Connecticut’s continued pursuit of the basic strategies embodied in the 2009 SustiNet law.”
More than 160 Connecticut experts from a variety of disciplines are working with the SustiNet board to develop detailed plans for moving forward with the proposal.
“The work of these task forces and advisory committees will assist the board in issuing a year-end report to the legislature,” Wyman said.
By July 1, SustiNet”™s volunteer committees and task forces are scheduled to provide the board with recommendations on how SustiNet should: address health information technology; care coordination; incentives for evidence-based, high-quality care;Â disease prevention and wellness; the elimination or reduction of ethnic and racial disparities; obesity; tobacco use; and strengthening the health care work force to meet the increased demands for services that will result from a substantial increase in health coverage.
By the end of 2010, the board will issue a final report making detailed recommendations for implementing SustiNet during the 2011 legislative session.
The entire 60-day report can be viewed at www.CT.gov/sustinet.
