Appropriations Committee APP Human Services Subcommittee Public Hearing [Source] Translate

The public hearing of the Appropriations Committee's Human Services Subcommittee featured a range of testimonies highlighting the critical need for increased funding and support for healthcare and social services in Connecticut, particularly focusing on Medicaid and related programs. Bridget Fagan, CFO at Connecticut Children's, emphasized the importance of Medicaid for their patients, noting that over half rely on it. She expressed disappointment that the governor's budget did not include Connecticut Children's in the hospital tax and called for a $49 million increase in the hospital's dish payment for fiscal year 27. Ashley Berkman shared her family's experience with Medicaid, stressing its role in providing necessary medical care for her son with congenital muscular dystrophy. Several speakers, including Lisa Flaherty and Michelle Clark, both deafblind, advocated for the restoration of $20,000 in funding for CANS services, which are vital for communication and autonomy. Ed Pelletier and Leroy Terrio from the Communication Advocacy Network (CAN) echoed this sentiment, emphasizing the importance of communication access for deafblind and hard-of-hearing individuals. Marianne Langton from Connecticut ADAPT raised concerns about the potential elimination of the Community First Choice (CFC) program, which currently assists 7,250 individuals needing institutional-level care at home. Dr. Maryam Hakeem Zargar, president of the Connecticut State Medical Society, called for increased Medicaid physician payment rates, citing stagnant reimbursement rates that hinder access to care. Deidre Murch, representing personal care attendants (PCAs), expressed frustration over payroll issues affecting thousands of workers, leading to financial distress. She criticized the management of the PCA contract and urged the committee to reject proposals that would shift consumers to Medicaid waivers. Milagros Spirosak shared her own struggles with missing paychecks, highlighting the financial strain on caregivers. Testimonies also addressed the impact of proposed budget cuts on various social services. Joseph Young expressed concerns about the governor's budget adjustments to the Department of Social Services (DSS), which he believes unfairly penalize families needing healthcare. Kimberly Calagena requested full funding for proposed Medicaid rate increases for behavioral health services, while Sarah Lockery discussed the lack of access to care for children and the need for increased funding for behavioral health services. The meeting underscored the urgent need for adequate funding and systemic changes to support healthcare providers and vulnerable populations. Many speakers highlighted the importance of maintaining Medicaid coverage and the implications of potential changes to eligibility requirements. They called for increased funding for various programs, including the Birth to Three program, community health workers, and independent living centers. Overall, the testimonies reflected a collective call for legislative action to protect and enhance healthcare access for all Connecticut residents, particularly those with disabilities and low-income families, emphasizing the need for increased funding and support for essential services.