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  "agency": "Centers for Disease Control and Prevention",
  "title": "FOIA Request for Comprehensive Records Regarding Connecticut Medicaid Programs, ABI Waiver Amendments, and Federal Agency Oversight and Communications with Accenture and Manatt (2012Present)",
  "first_date": "2024-10-29",
  "last_date": "2024-11-15",
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      "when": "2024-10-29 13:24:20",
      "file": "2024-10-29T13_24_20.474131 Communication.txt",
      "text": "To Whom It May Concern:\n\nPursuant to the Freedom of Information Act, I hereby request the following records:\n\nSubject: FOIA Request for Comprehensive Records Regarding Connecticut Medicaid Programs, ABI Waiver Amendments, and Federal Agency Oversight and Communications with Accenture and Manatt (2012Present)\n\nTo:\n\nConnecticut Agencies:\n\nDepartment of Social Services (DSS)\nOffice of Policy and Management (OPM)\nOffice of the Attorney General\nOffice of Health Strategy (OHS)\nState Comptrollers Office\nAuditors of Public Accounts (APA)\n\nFederal Agencies:\n\nCenters for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS)\nU.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS)\nOffice of Inspector General, U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (OIG, HHS)\nU.S. Government Accountability Office (GAO)\nCenters for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC)\nDepartment of Justice (DOJ)  Civil Rights Division\nDate: 10.29.2024\n\nFrom:\nDavid Medeiros\nABI Resources\nEmail: AabiWR@live.com\n\nRequest for Records Under the Freedom of Information Act (FOIA)\nDear FOIA Officers and Supervisory Officers,\n\nPursuant to the Connecticut Freedom of Information Act (Conn. Gen. Stat.  1-200 et seq.) and the federal Freedom of Information Act (5 U.S.C.  552), I respectfully request access to all records from January 1, 2012, to the present related to communications, funding, agreements, policy analysis, and compliance oversight involving Connecticuts Medicaid programs, particularly focusing on the Acquired Brain Injury (ABI) Waiver Program. This request pertains to records involving the following entities:\n\nConnecticut Department of Social Services (DSS)\nAccenture and Manatt, Phelps & Phillips, LLP (Manatt), in their roles as consultants to DSS\n\nFederal agencies involved in Medicaid program oversight, including CMS, HHS, OIG, GAO, CDC, and DOJs Civil Rights Division\nThis request supports transparency, accountability, and oversight of Medicaid programs affecting vulnerable populations, particularly those involved in the ABI Waiver Program, managed care models, and accessibility initiatives.\n\nScope and Objectives of the Request\nThe objective of this request is to capture comprehensive records to allow for independent review, transparency, and the protection of vulnerable Medicaid populations in the following areas:\n\nMedicaid Program Amendments and Policy Modifications\nRecords of amendments to the ABI Waiver Program and other Medicaid waivers managed by Connecticut DSS in consultation with Accenture and Manatt, as reviewed by federal agencies (CMS, HHS).\n\nMedicaid Landscape Analysis and Managed Care Exploration\nDocumentation of data analysis, policy exploration, and evaluations related to managed care models, digital health, and accessibility for Medicaid recipients, conducted by Accenture and Manatt with DSS and reviewed by CMS or other federal entities.\n\nData Collection and Stakeholder Engagement\nInformation regarding data collection methodologies targeting Medicaid members, providers, and stakeholders, including strategies to ensure accessibility, equity, and compliance with federal and state protections.\n\nFederal Oversight, Accountability, and Compliance\nDocumentation from federal agencies related to funding compliance, regulatory oversight, or audits, evaluations, or investigations assessing DSSs Medicaid program management, especially regarding the ABI Waiver and the involvement of Accenture and Manatt.\n\nDetailed Records Requested\nPlease provide copies of the following documents:\n\nContracts, Agreements, and Operational Frameworks\nConnecticut DSS: Contracts, MOUs, agreements, and scope of work documents between DSS and Accenture or Manatt.\nFederal Agencies (CMS, HHS, GAO, OIG): Federal approvals, reviews, or conditions placed on Connecticuts Medicaid amendments or funding, particularly involving the ABI Waiver and managed care services.\n\nCommunications and Procedural Directives\nConnecticut DSS: Email and written communications between DSS officials and representatives of Accenture and Manatt, specifically concerning Medicaid program amendments, stakeholder engagement, and managed care exploration.\nFederal Agencies: Correspondence with DSS or contractors, as well as procedural directives involving Accenture or Manatts contributions to Medicaid policy or program operations.\nMetadata and Communication Logs: Metadata (sender, recipient, date, subject) and communication logs documenting DSS, CMS, HHS, or GAO interactions with Accenture or Manatt.\n\nMeetings and Strategy Documentation\nConnecticut DSS: Agendas, minutes, attendance records, and presentations from strategic planning sessions involving DSS, Accenture, and Manatt.\nFederal Agencies: Records from any forums, workshops, or review meetings with DSS regarding Connecticuts Medicaid amendments, ABI Waiver program updates, or evaluations of managed care models.\n\nAnalysis, Recommendations, and Raw Data\n\nConnecticut DSS and Federal Agencies (CMS, GAO): All data, draft versions, and final recommendations produced by Accenture and Manatt, including raw data, methodology documentation, and preliminary findings related to Medicaid program evaluations.\nCDC Data on ABI/TBI: Any ABI or TBI-related data provided to DSS, Accenture, or Manatt, which may impact Medicaid ABI Waiver amendments.\n\nMedicaid Provider and Consumer Access and Contact Records\nConnecticut DSS: Documentation on Medicaid provider registry updates, provider affiliations, approval dates, and criteria used to select providers for feedback or analysis.\nFederal Oversight: GAO or OIG records on Medicaid provider networks and consumer engagement requirements, particularly in relation to accessibility for individuals with disabilities.\n\nAccessibility and Data Collection Accommodations\nConnecticut DSS and Federal Agencies: Documentation of accommodations ensuring accessibility for individuals with disabilities, including language assistance, assistive technology, and accommodations in data collection and stakeholder engagement processes.\nFOIA Compliance and Whistleblower Reports\n\nConnecticut DSS and Federal Oversight (OIG, DOJ Civil Rights): Records related to previous FOIA requests, exemptions, information withheld, and any legal citations applied, as well as whistleblower complaints or investigations into DSS, Accenture, or Manatt regarding Medicaid program oversight, ethical conduct, or data manipulation.\n\n\nExpedited processing is requested based on the following compelling factors:\n\nSignificant Public Interest in Government Transparency: Medicaid programs are taxpayer-funded and affect a large segment of the public. Ensuring that DSSs activities and collaborations with consulting firms like Accenture and Manatt align with federal and state standards is of great public interest. Expedited processing will allow public scrutiny and foster informed dialogue on the management and ethical administration of Medicaid services. The requested information will help assess whether any waste, fraud, or abuse has occurred within DSSs partnerships. Prompt access to these records is essential to identify any potential misconduct and prevent ongoing misuse of taxpayer dollars, particularly within critical programs affecting vulnerable populations.\n\nTime-Sensitive Advocacy Needs: This information is critical for advocacy efforts that inform stakeholders, ensure consumer protection, and foster transparency. Any delay could impede the ability of stakeholders, including advocacy groups and affected individuals, to respond adequately to Medicaid policy changes.\n\nJustification for Fee Waiver\nThis information will serve the public interest by supporting oversight, transparency, and protection for Medicaid recipients, particularly Connecticuts ABI Waiver participants. The release of these records will contribute to the ethical and accountable administration of taxpayer-funded programs. Accordingly, I request a waiver of fees for processing this request.\n\nDelivery and Accessibility Requirements\nTo accommodate disability-related needs, please provide all records in digital format via email and avoid using external portals. If records cannot be provided within statutory timeframes, or if any information is withheld, please notify me promptly with legal justifications at AabiWR@live.com\n\nThank you for your attention and assistance in providing these records to facilitate public understanding and oversight of Connecticut Medicaid services.\n\nSincerely,\nDavid Medeiros\nABI Resources\n\nThe requested documents will be made available to the general public, and this request is not being made for commercial purposes.\n\nIn the event that there are fees, I would be grateful if you would inform me of the total charges in advance of fulfilling my request. I would prefer the request filled electronically, by e-mail attachment if available or CD-ROM if not.\n\nThank you in advance for your anticipated cooperation in this matter. I look forward to receiving your response to this request within 20 business days, as the statute requires.\n\nSincerely,\n\nDAVID MEDEIROS"
    },
    {
      "when": "2024-10-30 23:29:43",
      "file": "2024-10-30T23_29_43.425515 Communication.txt",
      "text": "Dear DAVID MEDEIROS, \n\nA temporary password has been issued and sent to the email address provided.Please check your email for this temporary password and return tohttps://foia.cdc.gov/ to login. If you have any previously submitted requests to Centers for Disease Control and Prevention / Agency for Toxic Substances and Disease Registry you will be able to view them by logging into your user account \n\nKindly change the password provided by us. \n\nRegards, \nCenters for Disease Control and Prevention / Agency for Toxic Substances and Disease Registry"
    },
    {
      "when": "2024-10-30 23:29:49",
      "file": "2024-10-30T23_29_49 Communication.txt",
      "text": "Dear DAVID MEDEIROS, \n\nOnce you login, please change your password to protect your account details. \n\nPassword: [PORTAL ACCESS CREDENTIAL WITHHELD — original preserved privately] \n\nRegards, \nCenters for Disease Control and Prevention / Agency for Toxic Substances and Disease Registry"
    },
    {
      "when": "2024-10-31 00:04:20",
      "file": "2024-10-31T00_04_20.141134 Communication.txt",
      "text": "Dear DAVID MEDEIROS, \n\nCase Number 25-00142-FOIA has been assigned to the request you submitted. In all future correspondence regarding this request please reference case number 25-00142-FOIA. \n\nRegards, \nCenters for Disease Control and Prevention / Agency for Toxic Substances and Disease Registry"
    },
    {
      "when": "2024-10-31 00:04:20",
      "file": "2024-10-31T00_04_20.495121 Communication.txt",
      "text": "Dear MEDEIROS,DAVID, \nThe status of your FOIA request #25-00142-FOIA has been updated to the following status 'Received'. To log into the CDC FOIA Public Access Link click on the Application URL below. \nhttps://foia.cdc.gov/ \nSincerely, \nCenters for Disease Control and Prevention / Agency for Toxic Substances and Disease Registry"
    },
    {
      "when": "2024-10-31 14:37:10",
      "file": "2024-10-31T14_37_10.506285 Communication.txt",
      "text": "October 31, 2024 \n\nRequest Number: 25-00142-FOIA \n\nDear Mr. Medeiros: This is regarding your Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) request of October 30, 2024, for FOIA Request for Comprehensive Records Regarding Connecticut Medicaid Programs, ABI Waiver Amendments, and Federal Agency Oversight and Communications with Accenture and Manatt (2012Present. \n\nPlease see the attached letter. \n\nSincerely, \nCDC/ATSDR FOIA Office \n770-488-6399"
    },
    {
      "when": "2024-11-01 05:59:27",
      "file": "2024-11-01T05_59_27.612740 Communication.txt",
      "text": "Subject: Appeal and Request for Comprehensive Basic Accommodations on FOIA Request No. 25-00142-FOIA\n\nDear CDC/ATSDR FOIA Office,\n\nI am writing to appeal the current handling of my FOIA request (Request No. 25-00142-FOIA), initially submitted on October 30, 2024, regarding Connecticut Medicaid programs, ABI waiver amendments, and federal oversight and communications with Accenture and Manatt from 2012 to the present.\n\nFirstly, I request an appeal of the response provided, as it is unclear whether all relevant records were fully reviewed to ensure a complete and exhaustive response. Given the scope and importance of these subjects, a thorough investigation and access to all responsive records are crucial.\n\nIn addition, I would like to reiterate the following basic accommodations that I have consistently requested due to my TBI and specific accessibility needs:\n\nEmail-Only Communication: All communications regarding this FOIA request should be conducted solely through email. I am unable to communicate effectively by phone, and portals or alternate platforms create significant accessibility barriers.\n\nFull Response Language in Email Body: For my accessibility, please include the full response text within the body of the email, rather than solely as an attachment. Attachments are difficult for me to access and interpret, impacting my ability to engage with the response fully.\n\nIdentification of Officers: Please include the full name, title, and direct contact information of the officer managing my request in each communication. This information is critical for accountability and effective communication on my end.\n\nNo Use of Portals or External Links: In line with my accessibility needs, please avoid using external links, portals, or any resources that would require navigating away from the email. This ensures I can access the information seamlessly within one location.\n\nClear and Concise Responses: Due to memory and processing challenges associated with my TBI, I request that all responses be clear, comprehensive, and concise, facilitating my ability to stay focused and process the information effectively.\n\nI request confirmation that these accommodations will be honored in all future communications. Additionally, please confirm receipt of this appeal and provide an update regarding the additional search measures taken to locate all potentially responsive records.\n\nThank you for your attention to these accommodations and your dedication to ensuring accessibility and completeness in the FOIA process.\n\nSincerely,\nDavid Medeiros\nAabiWR@live.com"
    },
    {
      "when": "2024-11-14 14:39:28",
      "file": "2024-11-14T14_39_28.650152 Communication.txt",
      "text": "Dear Requester:\n\nThe FOIA number you provided is for CDC not CMS.  Please provide the CMS control number related to your FOIA requests.\n\n\nThank you.\n"
    },
    {
      "when": "2024-11-15 20:31:33",
      "file": "2024-11-15T20_31_33.484548 Communication.txt",
      "text": "David Medeiros\nABI Resources\n39 Kings Highway, Suite C\nGales Ferry, CT 06335\nDate: November 15, 2024\n\nSubject: Formal Appeal for FOIA Non-Compliance and ADA Violations Regarding FOIA Request 25-00142-FOIA\n\nTo:\nCDC/ATSDR FOIA Office\nCenters for Disease Control and Prevention\n1600 Clifton Road NE, MS D-54\nAtlanta, GA 30333\nEmail: foiarequests@cdc.gov\n\nCC:\nOffice of Government Information Services\nNational Archives and Records Administration\n8601 Adelphi Road\nCollege Park, MD 20740-6001\nEmail: ogis@nara.gov\n\nIntroduction\nThis appeal addresses significant deficiencies in the handling of my FOIA request, 25-00142-FOIA, submitted on October 30, 2024, seeking comprehensive records related to Connecticut Medicaid programs, ABI Waiver amendments, and federal oversight and communications with Accenture and Manatt from 2012 to the present.\n\nYour office's response has failed to address the scope of my request adequately, while also violating my rights under the Freedom of Information Act (5 U.S.C. 552), Title II of the Americans with Disabilities Act (42 U.S.C. 12132), and Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act (29 U.S.C. 794).\n\nThis appeal asserts my constitutional and statutory rights to ensure compliance with FOIA and ADA standards, transparency in federally funded programs, and accountability in government communications involving taxpayer-funded initiatives.\n\nLegal and Constitutional Basis\nFirst Amendment: Right to Transparency and Accountability\n\nThe First Amendment ensures public access to government information necessary for oversight and informed participation. FOIA enforces this principle by mandating transparency in federal agencies activities.\n\nViolations:\n\nThe CDC has obstructed my ability to scrutinize communications, funding, and oversight of Medicaid programs affecting vulnerable populations by failing to provide a comprehensive response.\nBy not addressing the scope of my request fully, the CDC undermines democratic accountability and transparency.\nFifth Amendment: Right to Due Process\n\nThe Fifth Amendment guarantees due process, which includes fair, timely, and adequate responses to FOIA requests. The CDC's procedural deficiencies, including incomplete records searches and failure to justify delays or exclusions, violate due process standards.\n\nViolations:\n\nArbitrary procedural actions, such as misdirected responses and inadequate search efforts, deprive me of procedural fairness under FOIA.\nFourteenth Amendment: Equal Protection and ADA Compliance\n\nThe Fourteenth Amendment and federal disability rights laws ensure equal access to government programs and services for individuals with disabilities.\n\nViolations:\n\nThe CDCs failure to honor my ADA accommodationsincluding exclusive communication through the MuckRock platform, simplified responses, and screen reader-compatible documentsdenies me equal access to public records.\nFreedom of Information Act (5 U.S.C. 552)\n\nFOIA requires agencies to conduct thorough searches for responsive records, provide timely responses, and justify any denials, delays, or redactions with specific statutory exemptions.\n\nViolations:\n\nThe CDC has failed to fulfill its obligations by not conducting an adequate search for records, improperly referring the request, and failing to justify these actions transparently.\nAmericans with Disabilities Act (42 U.S.C. 12101 et seq.) and Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act (29 U.S.C. 794)\n\nThe ADA and Rehabilitation Act mandate reasonable accommodations to ensure accessibility for individuals with disabilities, particularly in accessing public records.\n\nViolations:\n\nBy directing me to a portal and failing to provide accessible formats, the CDC has erected barriers to my ability to access requested information, violating accessibility standards.\nSpecific Failures\nInadequate Search and Scope\nThe CDC has not conducted a comprehensive search to locate responsive records related to Connecticut Medicaid programs, ABI Waiver amendments, and communications with Accenture and Manatt. This failure violates FOIAs requirement for a good-faith search.\n\nFailure to Provide ADA Accommodations\nDespite my explicit request, the CDC has not implemented necessary ADA accommodations, including:\n\nExclusive communication through the MuckRock platform.\nProvision of records in screen reader-compatible formats.\nSimplified summaries for complex procedural documents.\nLack of Transparency and Justification\nThe CDC has not provided:\nJustifications for any redactions or records exclusions.\nThe names, titles, and contact details of individuals responsible for processing my request, which is essential for accountability.\nImproper Referral and Communication Barriers\nDirecting me to portals or external links violates my ADA accommodations and erects unnecessary barriers to accessing the requested records.\nDemands for Corrective Action\nComprehensive Records Search and Response\nConduct a thorough search for all responsive records and provide them promptly. This includes:\nAll communications, agreements, and evaluations involving Connecticut DSS, Accenture, and Manatt.\nRecords related to federal oversight, funding compliance, and Medicaid program amendments.\nFull Implementation of ADA Accommodations\nCommunicate exclusively through the MuckRock platform to eliminate accessibility barriers.\nProvide all records in accessible, screen reader-compatible PDF formats.\nInclude simplified summaries for all complex documents to ensure accessibility.\nTransparency in Personnel and Redactions\nIdentify all FOIA officers and decision-makers responsible for handling this request by name, title, and contact information.\nJustify any redactions or exclusions with specific statutory exemptions and provide descriptive summaries of withheld content.\nFormal Acknowledgment of ADA Compliance\nProvide a written acknowledgment confirming adherence to my ADA accommodations in all future communications.\nRequest for Expedited Processing\nThis request pertains to urgent public interest in Medicaid transparency and oversight, particularly regarding taxpayer-funded programs and vulnerable populations. Delayed access to these records undermines accountability and oversight efforts. Expedited processing is warranted under FOIA standards for compelling public need.\n\nConsequences of Non-Compliance\nIf these demands are not met by December 5, 2024, I will take the following actions:\n\nFile formal complaints with the Office for Government Information Services, the Department of Justice Civil Rights Division, and other oversight agencies.\nInitiate legal action under FOIA and ADA statutes to enforce compliance and seek remedies for accessibility violations.\nPublicly escalate the matter through media outlets and advocacy organizations to highlight systemic transparency failures.\nConclusion\nThis appeal asserts my rights under FOIA, the ADA, and constitutional law to ensure accountability, accessibility, and transparency in federally funded programs. I urge the CDC to comply fully with the corrective actions outlined above and provide the requested records promptly.\n\nThank you for your immediate attention to this matter.\n\nSincerely,\nDavid Medeiros\nABI Resources\n\nCC:\nOffice of Government Information Services"
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