Dear (legislator’s name):

We, the undersigned groups, strongly urge you to support legislation that will adequately fund the State Administered General Assistance (SAGA) program and provide real access to health care for our poorest residents.
The restructured SAGA program that went fully into effect on October 1, 2004 will cause serious financial hardships on Connecticut hospitals and Federally Qualified Health Centers (FQHCs) and create real barriers to health care. About 40% of SAGA recipients are women, almost all are single individuals, their income is limited to $477 a month or $5,724 a year and their assets are limited to $1000. Their only access to health care is through the SAGA program. Many SAGA recipients do not have cars and, under the new system, must go out of town to see a primary care physician. For these men and women, who often have complex medical needs, being required to travel even a few miles can be a complete barrier to care.

The provision of non-emergency transportation, as well as other services such as vision care and podiatry services, is no longer part of the SAGA program. These cuts, as well as other changes to the program, will create real barriers for 29,000 of the state’s most vulnerable citizens who have no other options for receiving consistent health care.

In addition, the funding structure for this new program puts their providers, Connecticut hospitals and health care centers, at great financial risk. Connecticut hospitals stand to lose $22 million a year under the new SAGA restrictions and FQHCs will lose between $2 million and $5 million a year. These losses threaten the ongoing financial viability of these essential non-profit health care providers and that endangers the health care of all Connecticut residents.

The legislation we are proposing would:
Remove language that caps funding at an appropriated level

Restore non-emergency medical transportation as a covered service
Restore vision care, home health care, physical therapy, occupational and speech therapy, and podiatry as covered services

Provide protections for SAGA patients under managed care.

Connecticut's SAGA Medical Program is literally a lifeline for vital health care services. . Please support legislation that protects our hospitals and health care centers and ensures access to health care for our poorest residents.

Sincerely,
COHI