Records Regarding Connecticut Medicaid Programs, ABI Waiver, Amendments, and Federal Agency Oversight and Communications with Accenture and Manatt (2012–Present) (Department of Health and Human Services Office of Inspector General)

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) To: Connecticut Agencies: Department of Social Services (DSS) Office of Policy and Management (OPM) Office of the Attorney General Office of Health Strategy (OHS) State Comptroller’s Office Auditors of Public Accounts (APA) Federal Agencies: Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) Office of Inspector General, U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (OIG, HHS) U.S. Government Accountability Office (GAO) Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) Department of Justice (DOJ) – Civil Rights Division Date: 10.29.2024 From: David Medeiros ABI Resources Email: AabiWR@live.com Request for Records Under the Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) Dear FOIA Officers and Supervisory Officers, Pursuant 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: Connecticut Department of Social Services (DSS) Accenture and Manatt, Phelps & Phillips, LLP (Manatt), in their roles as consultants to DSS Federal agencies involved in Medicaid program oversight, including CMS, HHS, OIG, GAO, CDC, and DOJ’s Civil Rights Division This 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. Scope and Objectives of the Request The 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: Medicaid Program Amendments and Policy Modifications Records 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). Medicaid Landscape Analysis and Managed Care Exploration Documentation 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. Data Collection and Stakeholder Engagement Information regarding data collection methodologies targeting Medicaid members, providers, and stakeholders, including strategies to ensure accessibility, equity, and compliance with federal and state protections. Federal Oversight, Accountability, and Compliance Documentation 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. Detailed Records Requested Please provide copies of the following documents: Contracts, Agreements, and Operational Frameworks Connecticut DSS: Contracts, MOUs, agreements, and scope of work documents between DSS and Accenture or Manatt. Federal 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. Communications and Procedural Directives Connecticut 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. Federal Agencies: Correspondence with DSS or contractors, as well as procedural directives involving Accenture or Manatt’s contributions to Medicaid policy or program operations. Metadata and Communication Logs: Metadata (sender, recipient, date, subject) and communication logs documenting DSS, CMS, HHS, or GAO interactions with Accenture or Manatt. Meetings and Strategy Documentation Connecticut DSS: Agendas, minutes, attendance records, and presentations from strategic planning sessions involving DSS, Accenture, and Manatt. Federal 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. Analysis, Recommendations, and Raw Data Connecticut 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. CDC Data on ABI/TBI: Any ABI or TBI-related data provided to DSS, Accenture, or Manatt, which may impact Medicaid ABI Waiver amendments. Medicaid Provider and Consumer Access and Contact Records Connecticut DSS: Documentation on Medicaid provider registry updates, provider affiliations, approval dates, and criteria used to select providers for feedback or analysis. Federal Oversight: GAO or OIG records on Medicaid provider networks and consumer engagement requirements, particularly in relation to accessibility for individuals with disabilities. Accessibility and Data Collection Accommodations Connecticut 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. FOIA Compliance and Whistleblower Reports Connecticut 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. Expedited processing is requested based on the following compelling factors: Significant 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. Time-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. Justification for Fee Waiver This 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. Delivery and Accessibility Requirements To 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 Thank you for your attention and assistance in providing these records to facilitate public understanding and oversight of Connecticut Medicaid services. Sincerely, David Medeiros ABI Resources