Face the Facts: How the state could help doctors treating Medicaid patients

Connecticut lawmakers are facing renewed pressure to raise reimbursement rates for doctors and hospitals treating Medicaid patients, as federal Medicaid cuts loom. In a discussion tied to the upcoming legislative session, Sen. Jason Perillo said the state’s low Medicaid payments—about 60 cents on the dollar—limits provider participation in HUSKY, Connecticut’s Medicaid program, reducing patient access to appointments. Perillo argued that increasing payments requires budget action rather than new “alphabet soup” programs. He also said higher Medicaid costs can shift pressures toward commercial insurance premiums, affecting the wider healthcare pricing environment.