New York Times Examines Cuts to Connecticut’s Medicaid Program and Related Legal Challenge

The New York Times on April 28 examined cuts in Connecticut's HUSKY program, the state's Medicaid program, including a legal challenge to the planned elimination of benefits for beneficiaries with incomes of between 100% and 150% of the federal poverty level. To save the state about $26 million this fiscal year and $73 million in FY 2004, the program has adopted a number of changes, including:

• Requiring beneficiaries to receive prior authorization for some prescription drugs;
  
• Eliminating some coverage, including for podiatry, optometry, chiropractic and physical therapy services;
  
• Eliminating a 50-cent payment to pharmacists every time they convince beneficiaries to take a lower-cost generic prescription;
  
• Creating $1 copayments for outpatient care and prescription drugs; and
  
• Eliminating benefits for about 30,000 state residents.