Posts by Ellen Andrews
Health care figures prominently in US middle class worries
The Pew Research Center’s annual survey of America’s middle class finds that one in five says that it’s likely their health benefits will be reduced or eliminated in the next year. 12% expect a cut in wages. One in four say that they have not moved forward in the last four years and 31% say…
Read MoreThe high cost of prescription drugs
In the last month, we’ve fielded a number of calls to the Consumer Helpline (1.888.873.4585) about the high cost of prescriptions. A quick Google search demonstrates why. Prescription drug prices are out of control. An April 3rd USA Today article reported that the Patient Advocate Foundation found that over 30% of people they serve “cited…
Read MoreCT Health Notes highlights
Some highlights from the latest CT Health Notes — the CT Health Policy Project’s e-newsletter: • UConn hospital study recommends partnering with area competitors, Hospital needs another $22 million this year • AHRQ annual quality and health disparity reports find mixed results • Consumer directed health plans continue to attract healthier, wealthier members Click here…
Read MoreLegislative Health Care Study Group
For the last few months, a small group of Connecticut legislators and other officials has been meeting to explore health care issues in some depth. Legislators choose the issues and ask questions; CT Health Policy Project staff research the topics and find answers. To access the discussion guides for the last two meetings, go to…
Read MoreComptroller announces cost-saving health program for municipalities
Today Comptroller Nancy Wyman is announcing a new venture from her office that could save CT cities and towns tens of millions of dollars on health insurance costs. The Comptroller was joined in the announcement by Bart Russell, head of the CT Council of Small Towns, Sal Luciano, from AFSCME Council 4, and John Yrchik,…
Read MoreEligibility income levels increase tomorrow
Many programs, including HUSKY and Medicaid, base eligibility determinations on the Federal Poverty Level – an antiquated mechanism, that shortchanges CT, of determining what the basics of life cost. Anyway, those dysfunctional standards are updated every year and the new levels become effective tomorrow. Here are the new numbers, with calculations for HUSKY program eligibility…
Read MoreNotes from Massachusetts
It’s always dangerous to visit other states – you are reminded of how far Connecticut has to go. I spent yesterday in Boxborough, MA at Health Care For All’s fifth annual policy & organizing conference. The prevailing climate was of advocates, providers and state administration very comfortable working together toward a common goal – getting…
Read MoreUnnatural Causes: Is Inequality Making Us Sick airs tonight
The first of a seven part documentary on health disparities, Unnatural Causes, begins tonight at 10 pm on CPTV. Tonight’s show, In Sickness and in Wealth, focuses on overarching themes. “What are the connections between healthy bodies, healthy bank accounts and skin color?” The episode follows a CEO, a lab supervisor, a janitor and an…
Read MoreAppropriations passes a budget
Today, the Appropriations Committee passed their version of the state budget, about $100 million below the Governor’s proposal. The Committee cut $110 million from Medicaid, HUSKY and nursing homes for cost and caseload updates – the Committee believes that the Medicaid budget has been inflated in recent years by the administration and wants to use…
Read MoreAnthem not bidding on Charter Oak or HUSKY
Last week, Anthem sent a letter notifying DSS that they will not be submitting a bid for the joint HUSKY/Charter Oak Plan RFP. Initial responses are due to the state on Friday. Anthem’s concerns include inadequate funding for full-risk HUSKY and Charter Oak; advocates and other state officials have also been concerned about the programs’…
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