February, 2026 - CT Health Policy

Reference pricing lowers healthcare prices, could save CT millions

By Ellen Andrews | February 9, 2026 |

Download the backgrounder Hospital prices are driving up healthcare costs making coverage unaffordable, in Connecticut and across the US. It’s hard to reduce hospital prices, especially in consolidated markets like Connecticut’s, where huge health systems have monopoly power to demand steep prices. But Oregon and Montana have been saving millions annually on just their state…

Governor proposes breaking up OHS

By Ellen Andrews | February 4, 2026 |

In his budget proposal today, Governor Lamont wisely proposed delegating the many functions under the Office of Health Strategy (OHS) to other state agencies. His goal is “to ensure a comprehensive and cohesive vision for healthcare.” Setting a statewide strategy to improve value in Connecticut’s complex and costly healthcare landscape takes focus and deep data…