Conn. loses bid for Medicaid rules changes

HARTFORD, Conn. (AP) — Gov. Dannel P. Malloy says the Department of Social Services will have to run its Medicaid program efficiently as possible now that the federal government has denied Connecticut's request to tighten eligibility rules.

Malloy's administration sought to pare about 13,300 people from a health insurance program known Low Income Adults, arguing they have resources to cover themselves. LIA enrollment has exceeded officials' expectations.

The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services said the state's request is at odds with the federal objective of providing coverage to very low-income individuals.

Malloy said he doesn't expect an appeal. He said the state's application shows a need for the federal government to reimburse the state for 100 percent of those Medicaid costs as of January when the federal health care law kicks in.