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SB 985

AN ACT CONCERNING LEGISLATIVE APPROVAL FOR CHANGES TO THE HUSKY HEALTH PROGRAM REIMBURSEMENT AND CARE DELIVERY MODEL.

2025 Regular Session Introduced by Saud Anwar and 2 co-sponsors

Connecticut requires state legislative approval before implementing significant changes to HUSKY Health's reimbursement rates and care delivery models for 600,000+ Medicaid beneficiaries.

HOUSE CALENDAR NUMBER 672
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Bill Summary · SB 985

Legislative bill overview

SB 985 requires Connecticut legislators to approve any significant changes to the HUSKY Health program's reimbursement rates and care delivery model before implementation. The bill essentially shifts decision-making authority over Medicaid managed care restructuring from administrative agencies to the legislature, establishing a legislative veto checkpoint for major program modifications.

Why is this important

HUSKY Health covers approximately 600,000+ Connecticut residents (roughly 17% of the state population), making it one of the largest state health programs. Changes to reimbursement rates and delivery models directly affect provider participation, access to care, and program costs—issues affecting vulnerable populations including children, pregnant women, and low-income adults. By requiring legislative approval, the bill gives elected representatives explicit oversight of decisions that impact hundreds of thousands of constituents and state budgets.

Potential points of contention

  • Administrative flexibility vs. legislative micromanagement: Opponents may argue that requiring legislative approval slows program improvements, prevents timely response to healthcare crises, and burdens legislators with technical healthcare decisions better left to agencies with expertise
  • Scope ambiguity: The bill's definition of what constitutes a "change" warranting legislative approval may be unclear, creating disputes over whether routine adjustments need approval or only major restructurings
  • Political gridlock risk: Controversial reimbursement decisions could stall in legislature, potentially leaving the program in limbo or forcing emergency sessions, versus allowing administrative action with post-hoc oversight

Compiled from official sources — confirm details with the bill’s official record.

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