providers
CT 4th best among states in dental health
An analysis by WalletHub finds that the dental health of Connecticut residents is better than all but three other states (Wisconsin, Illinois, and Minnesota) and the District of Columbia. We rank third on oral health but tenth on dental habits and care, which is confusing but far better than the converse. The analysis compared states…
Read MoreCTNJ: If The COVID Vaccine Is Free For Patients, Who Is Paying For It?
Federal law ensures the COVID vaccine will be provided to every American at no cost. So who is paying for it? Because it’s healthcare, the answer is complicated and we are all paying for it – mostly through taxes and a bit through our insurance premiums. Read more
Read MoreGovernor’s budget includes drug cost control and exchange subsidies, but misses other health priorities
Released today, the Governor’s budget proposal for the next two fiscal years acknowledges the importance of addressing critical health priorities, especially during a pandemic. The document highlights the state’s public health challenges of funding and implementing COVID testing, treatment, and vaccination all while facing a severe economic slowdown, high unemployment, and increased demand for social…
Read MoreCT Medicaid rates squeezed a bit but still higher than other states
A new comparison published this month in Health Affairs finds that Connecticut Medicaid provider payment rates lost some ground between 2012 and 2019, but they remain higher than the US average and well above most nearby states. Primary care rates are highest relative to other states than other services. From 2012 to 2019, compared to…
Read MoreHalf of CT hospitals not compliant with new requirement to post negotiated prices for care
Download the report As of January 1st, all US hospitals are required to prominently display on a publicly available website prices privately negotiated with payers for 300 services, under CMS’s Hospital Price Transparency Rule. Hospital “charges” have been available to patients but not the actual prices paid by insurers. CMS requires both a “display of…
Read MoreCTNJ: OP-ED | State Should Set Uniform, Public Standards For Rationing Health Care
Disparities in healthcare are not new in our state, but the pandemic has intensified the unfairness. The aged, people with disabilities, and communities of color have been especially hard hit by the virus and the recession. Unfortunately, a striking example of that increased unfairness is reflected in Connecticut hospitals’ policies for rationing scarce resources during…
Read MoreConnecticut Medicaid costs stable but rising physician and clinic spending threaten progress
Download the report Since switching from managed care organizations in 2012 to focus on care management, Connecticut Medicaid spending has stabilized while enrollment has expanded significantly, according to the state’s latest financial report. Medicaid now covers one in four state residents. However, physician and clinic spending increases are eroding early progress in controlling costs. Medicaid…
Read MoreMore physicians joining large health systems across CT
From 2016 to 2018, the number of Connecticut physicians affiliated with large health systems grew in every area of the state, according to a new analysis in Health Affairs. Nationally the percent of physicians in large health systems rose by 11%, and the rate grew in 92% of US metro areas. Growth was fastest in…
Read MoreCT got fewer vaccines than other states, but did far better at getting people vaccinated
Download the report here Policymakers and experts have expressed disappointment at the slow rollout of the COVID-19 vaccines. While the vaccines were developed and manufactured at record speeds, getting Americans vaccinated has been slower than expected. The Secretary of Human Services expected to have 20 million Americans vaccinated by the end of 2020. But as…
Read MoreTop Stories of 2020
A year ago, our predictions for 2020 missed all but the recession. COVID has us giving up on predictions, so we’ll just take a look back at our top stories of this year. Advocacy Toolbox now online — Updates include specific, real world tools for legislative, administrative, and state budget advocacy, how to change public…
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