{
  "id": "175542",
  "title": "Records Regarding Connecticut Medicaid Programs, ABI Waiver, Amendments, and Federal Agency Oversight and Communications with Accenture and Manatt (2012–Present) (Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services)",
  "agency": "Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services",
  "jurisdiction": "United States of America",
  "submitted": "2024-10-29 17:24:20.138798+00:00",
  "updated": "",
  "status": "Awaiting Appeal",
  "requester": "David Medeiros",
  "sourceUrl": "https://www.muckrock.com/foi/united-states-of-america-10/records-regarding-connecticut-medicaid-programs-abi-waiver-amendments-and-federal-agency-oversight-and-communications-with-accenture-and-manatt-2012present-centers-for-medicare-and-medicaid-services-175542/",
  "requestText": "Subject: FOIA Request for Comprehensive Records Regarding Connecticut Medicaid Programs, ABI Waiver Amendments, and Federal Agency Oversight and Communications with Accenture and Manatt (2012–Present)\r\n\r\nTo:\r\n\r\nConnecticut Agencies:\r\n\r\nDepartment of Social Services (DSS)\r\nOffice of Policy and Management (OPM)\r\nOffice of the Attorney General\r\nOffice of Health Strategy (OHS)\r\nState Comptroller’s Office\r\nAuditors of Public Accounts (APA)\r\n\r\nFederal Agencies:\r\n\r\nCenters for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS)\r\nU.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS)\r\nOffice of Inspector General, U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (OIG, HHS)\r\nU.S. Government Accountability Office (GAO)\r\nCenters for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC)\r\nDepartment of Justice (DOJ) – Civil Rights Division\r\nDate: 10.29.2024\r\n\r\nFrom:\r\nDavid Medeiros\r\nABI Resources\r\nEmail: AabiWR@live.com\r\n\r\nRequest for Records Under the Freedom of Information Act (FOIA)\r\nDear FOIA Officers and Supervisory Officers,\r\n\r\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 Connecticut’s Medicaid programs, particularly focusing on the Acquired Brain Injury (ABI) Waiver Program. This request pertains to records involving the following entities:\r\n\r\nConnecticut Department of Social Services (DSS)\r\nAccenture and Manatt, Phelps & Phillips, LLP (Manatt), in their roles as consultants to DSS\r\n\r\nFederal agencies involved in Medicaid program oversight, including CMS, HHS, OIG, GAO, CDC, and DOJ’s Civil Rights Division\r\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.\r\n\r\nScope and Objectives of the Request\r\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:\r\n\r\nMedicaid Program Amendments and Policy Modifications\r\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).\r\n\r\nMedicaid Landscape Analysis and Managed Care Exploration\r\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.\r\n\r\nData Collection and Stakeholder Engagement\r\nInformation regarding data collection methodologies targeting Medicaid members, providers, and stakeholders, including strategies to ensure accessibility, equity, and compliance with federal and state protections.\r\n\r\nFederal Oversight, Accountability, and Compliance\r\nDocumentation from federal agencies related to funding compliance, regulatory oversight, or audits, evaluations, or investigations assessing DSS’s Medicaid program management, especially regarding the ABI Waiver and the involvement of Accenture and Manatt.\r\n\r\nDetailed Records Requested\r\nPlease provide copies of the following documents:\r\n\r\nContracts, Agreements, and Operational Frameworks\r\nConnecticut DSS: Contracts, MOUs, agreements, and scope of work documents between DSS and Accenture or Manatt.\r\nFederal Agencies (CMS, HHS, GAO, OIG): Federal approvals, reviews, or conditions placed on Connecticut’s Medicaid amendments or funding, particularly involving the ABI Waiver and managed care services.\r\n\r\nCommunications and Procedural Directives\r\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.\r\nFederal Agencies: Correspondence with DSS or contractors, as well as procedural directives involving Accenture or Manatt’s contributions to Medicaid policy or program operations.\r\nMetadata and Communication Logs: Metadata (sender, recipient, date, subject) and communication logs documenting DSS, CMS, HHS, or GAO interactions with Accenture or Manatt.\r\n\r\nMeetings and Strategy Documentation\r\nConnecticut DSS: Agendas, minutes, attendance records, and presentations from strategic planning sessions involving DSS, Accenture, and Manatt.\r\nFederal Agencies: Records from any forums, workshops, or review meetings with DSS regarding Connecticut’s Medicaid amendments, ABI Waiver program updates, or evaluations of managed care models.\r\n\r\nAnalysis, Recommendations, and Raw Data\r\n\r\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.\r\nCDC Data on ABI/TBI: Any ABI or TBI-related data provided to DSS, Accenture, or Manatt, which may impact Medicaid ABI Waiver amendments.\r\n\r\nMedicaid Provider and Consumer Access and Contact Records\r\nConnecticut DSS: Documentation on Medicaid provider registry updates, provider affiliations, approval dates, and criteria used to select providers for feedback or analysis.\r\nFederal Oversight: GAO or OIG records on Medicaid provider networks and consumer engagement requirements, particularly in relation to accessibility for individuals with disabilities.\r\n\r\nAccessibility and Data Collection Accommodations\r\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.\r\nFOIA Compliance and Whistleblower Reports\r\n\r\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.\r\n\r\n\r\nExpedited processing is requested based on the following compelling factors:\r\n\r\nSignificant Public Interest in Government Transparency: Medicaid programs are taxpayer-funded and affect a large segment of the public. Ensuring that DSS’s 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 DSS’s 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.\r\n\r\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.\r\n\r\nJustification for Fee Waiver\r\nThis information will serve the public interest by supporting oversight, transparency, and protection for Medicaid recipients, particularly Connecticut’s 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.\r\n\r\nDelivery and Accessibility Requirements\r\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\r\n\r\nThank you for your attention and assistance in providing these records to facilitate public understanding and oversight of Connecticut Medicaid services.\r\n\r\nSincerely,\r\nDavid Medeiros\r\nABI Resources",
  "communicationCount": 4,
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    {
      "sequence": 1,
      "date": "",
      "from": "",
      "subject": "Preserved binder fragment — page 1240",
      "text": "DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH & HUMAN SERVICES \nCenters for Medicare & Medicaid Services\n7500 Security Boulevard, Mail Stop C5-11- 06 \nBaltimore, Maryland 21244-1850 \nOffice of Strategic Operations and Regulatory Affairs/Freedom of Information Group  \nRefer to:  Control Number 110620247022 and PIN 4GPY \n11/26/2024 \nDavid Mederios \nMuckRock News  \nDept MR 175542  \n263 Huntington Ave \nBoston, MA  02115 \nDear Mr. Mederios: \nI am acknowledging receipt of your Month Day, Year, Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) \nappeal that you sent to the Principal Deputy Administrator, Centers for Medicare & Medicaid \nServices (CMS).  We will process your appeal as expeditiously as possible, consistent with \nDepartment of Health and Human Services FOIA rules set forth at 45 CFR Part 5.      \nQuestions regarding your appeal should be directed to Emmett Nicholson at \nEmmett.Nicholson@cms.hhs.gov, or 410-786-5353, if you have any concerns. \nSincerely, \nJ\noseph Tripline \nCMS FOIA Officer \nDeputy Director \nFreedom of Information Group",
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      "from": "",
      "subject": "Preserved binder fragment — page 1324",
      "text": "DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH & HUMAN SERVICES   \nCenters for Medicare & Medicaid Services \n7500 Security Boulevard, Mail Stop C5-11-06 \nBaltimore, Maryland 21244-1850  \n              \n \nOffice of Strategic Operations and Regulatory Affairs / Freedom of Information Group  \nRequest has been assigned: Control Number 110620247022 and PIN 4GPY  \n \n11/7/2024   \n \nDavid Medeiros \nMuckRock News  \nDept MR 175542  \n263 Huntington Ave \nBoston, MA 02115 \n \nDear David: \n \nThis letter is to acknowledge receipt of your Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) (5 U.S.C. § \n552) request and to provide you with a tracking number.  The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid \nServices (CMS) received your FOIA request on November 07, 2024, pertaining to Medicaid \nWaiver Program (Connecticut). \n \nTo check the status of your request as it is being processed, please refer to the CMS FOIA \nwebsite at https://foia-request.cms.gov/check-status and enter the control number and PIN (listed \nat the top of the page) that has been assigned to your request.   \n \nOnce we complete our initial analysis of your request, we will initiate a search for responsive \nrecords.  If, however, we determine that your request needs clarification, we will contact you. \nAdditionally, if our searching units advise us that you have requested a voluminous number of \nrecords that requires extensive search, production, and review, we will contact you to discuss \noptions for narrowing the scope to process your request as quickly and efficiently as possible. \n \nPlease note that CMS receives a very high volume of FOIA requests.  The following unusual \ncircumstances, as defined by 5 USC § 552(a)(6), may affect our ability to fulfill a FOIA request \nwithin 20 business days.  These include circumstances such as (1) the request requires us to \nsearch for and collect records from multiple components and/or field offices; (2) the request \ninvolves a voluminous number of records that must be located, compiled, transferred to this \noffice, and reviewed.  In addition, given our high volume of requests, and in accordance with \nfederal regulations, our processing policy includes factors such as the date and complexity of  \nthe request.  \n \nThe FOIA assumes that requesters are willing to pay fees up to $25.00.  If estimated fees to \nprocess your request exceed $25.00, we will notify you and may suspend processing until we \nreceive written confirmation that you are willing to pay the estimated fees.  Additionally, if the \nestimated fees exceed $250.00, the law authorizes us to collect the fees in advance \nof processing the request.",
      "summary": "",
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      "sequence": 3,
      "date": "",
      "from": "",
      "subject": "Preserved binder fragment — page 1331",
      "text": "DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH & HUMAN SERVICES   \nCenters for Medicare & Medicaid Services \n7500 Security Boulevard, Mail Stop C5-11-06 \nBaltimore, Maryland 21244-1850  \n              \nOffice of Strategic Operations and Regulatory Affairs/Freedom of Information Group  \nRefer to: Control Number 110620247022 and PIN 4GPY  \n \n11/12/2024 \n \nDavid Medeiros \nMuckRock News  \nDept MR 175542  \n263 Huntington Ave  \nBoston, MA 02115 \n \nDear David Medeiros \nThis letter is in response to your 10/30/2024 Freedom of Information Act (5 U.S.C. § 552) \nrequest, which you sent to the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS).   \n  \nIf you are actually seeking Medicaid records (as opposed to Medicare records), you \nwill need to obtain them from the State Medicaid Office. Please note that although the \nMedicaid program is jointly funded by the federal government and the states, each \nindividual state is responsible for administering the operations of their Medicaid \nprogram. CMS is not in possession of Medicaid claims records, and therefore we are \nunable to provide these state records.  Therefore, after a careful search of the Centers \nfor Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) files, i.e., a search reasonably calculated to \nlocate records responsive to your request and employing reasonable standards, we \nwere unable to locate any records responsive to your request. \n  \nIf you view our response as an adverse determination, you may appeal.  To do so, you \nmust put your appeal in writing and mail it within 30 days of the date of this letter \nto:  The Principal Deputy Administrator, CMS, C5-16-03, 7500 Security Boulevard, \nBaltimore, Maryland 21244-1850.  Please mark your envelope “Freedom of \nInformation Act Appeal” and enclose a copy of this letter with your appeal.     \n   \nRespectfully, \n \n \n \nEmmett Nicholson \nDirector, Division of FOIA Analysis – C  \nFreedom of Information Group",
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      "subject": "Preserved binder fragment — page 1332",
      "text": "DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH & HUMAN SERVICES   \nCenters for Medicare & Medicaid Services \n7500 Security Boulevard, Mail Stop C5-11-06 \nBaltimore, Maryland 21244-1850  \n              \nOffice of Strategic Operations and Regulatory Affairs/Freedom of Information Group  \nRefer to: Control Number 110620247022 and PIN 4GPY  \n \n11/12/2024 \n \nDavid Medeiros \nMuckRock News  \nDept MR 175542  \n263 Huntington Ave  \nBoston, MA 02115 \n \nDear David Medeiros \nThis letter is in response to your 10/30/2024 Freedom of Information Act (5 U.S.C. § 552) \nrequest, which you sent to the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS).   \n  \nIf you are actually seeking Medicaid records (as opposed to Medicare records), you \nwill need to obtain them from the State Medicaid Office. Please note that although the \nMedicaid program is jointly funded by the federal government and the states, each \nindividual state is responsible for administering the operations of their Medicaid \nprogram. CMS is not in possession of Medicaid claims records, and therefore we are \nunable to provide these state records.  Therefore, after a careful search of the Centers \nfor Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) files, i.e., a search reasonably calculated to \nlocate records responsive to your request and employing reasonable standards, we \nwere unable to locate any records responsive to your request. \n  \nIf you view our response as an adverse determination, you may appeal.  To do so, you \nmust put your appeal in writing and mail it within 30 days of the date of this letter \nto:  The Principal Deputy Administrator, CMS, C5-16-03, 7500 Security Boulevard, \nBaltimore, Maryland 21244-1850.  Please mark your envelope “Freedom of \nInformation Act Appeal” and enclose a copy of this letter with your appeal.     \n   \nRespectfully, \n \n \n \nEmmett Nicholson \nDirector, Division of FOIA Analysis – C  \nFreedom of Information Group",
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