NPI Numbers and Provider Information under Connecticut Medicaid ABI Waiver Program (Department of Social Services)

To: FOIA Officer, Connecticut Department of Social Services (DSS) CC: FOIA Officer, Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) Subject: FOIA Request for NPI Numbers and Provider Information under Connecticut Medicaid ABI Waiver Program Dear FOIA Officers, Pursuant to the Connecticut Freedom of Information Act (C.G.S. §§ 1-200 to 1-242) and the Federal Freedom of Information Act (5 U.S.C. § 552), I am requesting access to records containing the National Provider Identifier (NPI) numbers and provider information for all entities approved to deliver services under Connecticut’s Medicaid Acquired Brain Injury (ABI) Waiver Program. This request is submitted to both the Connecticut Department of Social Services (DSS) and the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) to ensure a full and accurate compilation of records related to the Medicaid ABI Waiver providers. Scope of Request 1. Provider Information for Medicaid ABI Waiver Program: o A complete list of NPI numbers, along with corresponding provider names and addresses, for all entities authorized under Connecticut’s Medicaid ABI Waiver Program. This includes all providers in the Medicaid Acquired Brain Injury Approved Provider Registry managed by DSS and recognized by CMS. 2. Provider Registry Documentation: o Any official registries, directories, or databases maintained by CMS or DSS that list the approved ABI Waiver providers and their associated NPI numbers. Purpose and Public Interest Justification The requested information is essential to support transparency, public accountability, and accessibility in Medicaid-funded services. Access to these records will enable stakeholders and beneficiaries to verify approved providers, ensuring that taxpayer-funded services are administered equitably and with oversight. This request serves the public interest by facilitating oversight of Medicaid resources and supporting beneficiaries in making informed provider choices. Legal Basis for Request This request is supported by state and federal laws governing public access to records and ensuring Medicaid program transparency: • Connecticut Freedom of Information Act (C.G.S. §§ 1-200 to 1-242): Provides public access to state-held records, including Medicaid-related data. • Connecticut Public Records Law (Conn. Gen. Stat. § 1-210): Requires prompt access to public agency records, ensuring transparency for taxpayer-funded programs. • Freedom of Information Act (5 U.S.C. § 552): Governs access to federal records, ensuring transparency and accountability for CMS-administered programs. • Social Security Act – Title XIX (Medicaid) (42 U.S.C. § 1396 et seq.): Mandates federal and state oversight of Medicaid-funded programs. • Connecticut Non-Discrimination Law (Conn. Gen. Stat. § 46a-58(a)), Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) (42 U.S.C. § 12101 et seq.), and Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 (29 U.S.C. § 794): Require that individuals with disabilities receive accommodations for full access to information, ensuring compliance in FOIA processes. Disability and Accessibility Accommodations In accordance with ADA and Section 504 requirements, please apply the following accommodations to ensure my full access to these records: 1. Email-Only Communication: o All responses, updates, and records should be sent exclusively via email to AabiWR@live.com. No physical mail, phone calls, portal-based communications, external links, or alternative platforms are permitted. 2. Electronic and Accessible Format: o Provide all documents in accessible electronic formats (e.g., PDFs compatible with screen readers). 3. Complete Documentation: o Provide all records without redactions unless legally required. For any necessary redactions, cite the specific legal exemption applied and include a summary. 4. Detailed Explanations for Any Denials: o If any portion of this request is denied, provide a clear and detailed explanation for each denied item, citing relevant statutes or exemptions. 5. Guidance for Complex Records: o For records containing complex financial, legal, or procedural language, please include summaries or simplified explanations to ensure comprehension. 6. Identification of FOIA Officer Handling This Request: o Provide the full name, title, and direct contact information of the FOIA officer assigned to my request. This information is necessary for transparency and documentation. 7. Confirmation of Accommodations: o Confirm receipt of this request and explicitly acknowledge that each accommodation listed will be fully applied in all responses and communications. Request for Expedited Processing Due to the pressing public interest in transparency and accountability in Medicaid-funded services for vulnerable populations, I request expedited processing under Conn. Gen. Stat. § 1-210(a), which mandates prompt availability of public records, and 5 U.S.C. § 552(a)(6)(E), which allows expedited FOIA processing when there is an urgent need to inform the public. Fee Waiver Request I request a waiver of all associated fees under Conn. Gen. Stat. § 1-212(d) and 5 U.S.C. § 552(a)(4)(A)(iii), as this request is in the public interest and not for commercial use. The disclosure of the requested information will contribute significantly to the public’s understanding of Medicaid operations and beneficiary access to services under the ABI Waiver Program. Timeline Expectation Please confirm receipt of this request within four business days as required by Connecticut FOIA laws. Additionally, I request an estimated timeline for fulfillment. Thank you for your attention to this matter and for upholding transparency and accountability in Connecticut’s Medicaid system. Sincerely, David Medeiros ABI Resources Email: AabiWR@live.com