Connecticut Senate Bill SB00134

Connecticut 2017 Regular Session

• Introduced: 1/17/17
• Refer: 1/17/17

Caption

An Act Requiring Legislative Approval Of All Medicaid Waiver Renewals And Extensions.

Impact

Should SB00134 be enacted, its impact on state law would be significant, as it would fundamentally alter the process by which Medicaid waivers are approved and extended. This change could introduce additional legislative scrutiny and debate, potentially delaying the renewal process for needed services. Proponents argue that this increased oversight will lead to more accountable use of funds, while opponents may raise concerns about the efficiency and timeliness of service delivery if legislative approval becomes a bottleneck.

Summary

SB00134 proposes to amend section 17b-8 of the general statutes to mandate that all Medicaid waiver renewals and extensions require legislative approval. The bill was introduced with the intention of enhancing oversight and control over Medicaid spending. By requiring legislative review, the bill aims to provide transparency in how Medicaid waivers are managed and potentially identify areas for cost reduction. This proposal underscores a growing concern among legislators regarding the state's Medicaid expenditures and the necessity to rein in costs for the state's healthcare program.

Contention

There are notable points of contention surrounding SB00134. Supporters claim that the bill will provide a necessary check on Medicaid spending by ensuring that legislators are involved in decisions that directly affect healthcare services. However, critics may argue that requiring legislative input on every waiver renewal could overburden the legislative process, delay important healthcare services, and undermine the operational flexibility needed for effective Medicaid administration.