The U.S. Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) have ranked Connecticut among the best states in terms of speed in processing Medicaid applications. According to a report released earlier this month, Connecticut placed within the top four states nationally and was ranked the top state in New England.
The report analyzed how long it took the state’s Medicaid and Children’s Health Insurance Program (CHIP) agencies to make final determinations for individuals who submitted applications for the programs during the first three months of the year.
While nationally only 52 percent of Medicaid application determinations were made within 24 hours, according to the report, Connecticut processed 97 percent of the applications within 24 hours of receiving the application, behind only Maryland, Oklahoma, and New York.
“Access Health CT is dedicated to reducing the uninsured and reducing health disparities, and that starts with creating access for Connecticut residents to get the health insurance that best meets their needs,” Access Health CT CEO James Michel said in a statement. “It’s a true one-stop-shop for customers that helps reduce the challenges of navigating a complex system.”
Governor Ned Lamont issued a press release celebrating the state’s ranking and praising the state employees that did the work to process the applications as soon as possible.
“We are proud that Connecticut offers a quick, one-stop application point for several important health coverage options,” Gov. Lamont said. “All families and individuals need high-quality health coverage, and I encourage uninsured residents to contact our user-friendly application gateway for fast and efficient service. I applaud all of the employees at the Department of Social Services, Access Health CT, and our partners whose service is helping our state’s residents get enrolled and receive coverage as quickly as possible.”
Historically, the U.S. Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services has released the application processing time reports on an annual basis. However, due to the Covid-19 pandemic, and the public health emergency declared as a result, the agency has shifted to releasing the reports on a quarterly basis.
