public health
Hospital chapter in CT Healthcare Explained updated
We’ve updated the Hospitals chapter of CT Healthcare Explained. The update was prompted by new numbers and new topics, including potential impact of federal Medicaid cuts, payment rates, Medicaid rates, and private equity . CT Healthcare Explained is our explainer website cutting through the complexities of our state’s healthcare system. Like the other 17 topic…
Read MoreAnalysis: Public health is the bedrock of our health system, we should treat it better
These are strange, hard times for public health.The country, including government, is focused on improving our health. But we get confusing, contradictory information on how to care for ourselves and our families. They’ve literally tipped the food pyramid upside down. Not surprisingly, most Americans report that they get conflicting information and it’s difficult to know…
Read MoreCT hospital ED wait times are 4th highest among states, Patient “boarding” to blame
At 191 minutes, the average (median) wait time at Connecticut’s hospital emergency departments (EDs) was tied with New York for 4th worst among states. Maryland was the highest at 247 minutes. The data from the federal Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) covers April 1, 2024 through March 31, 2025. According to CT Public…
Read MoreNebraska starts Medicaid work requirements tomorrow — Lessons for CT
Download this article Advocates, providers, and Medicaid agencies are watching Nebraska this week as they launch work requirements in their Medicaid program. States have been working to implement the complex, federally mandated requirements passed last summer in HR-1, the One Big Beautiful Bill Act. Previous efforts in Arkansas and Georgia failed badly. Unfortunately, while the…
Read MoreHelp Medicaid members keep healthcare benefits under threat
As federal Medicaid cuts loom, DSS is urging HUSKY and SNAP recipients to update their contact information. The federal budget bill, HR-1, passed in July, included significant cuts to both HUSKY and SNAP. It is expected that thousands of Connecticut residents will lose benefits. The bill also added complex administrative burdens for over 300,000 HUSKY…
Read MoreCTNJ: Advice to CT’s next Medicaid Director
Welcome. You’re taking on a big job at a difficult time. Your program covers healthcare for one in five state residents and is about a quarter of the state budget. But we’re in a very good place and you’ll have lots of help. The good news first. Read more
Read MoreCT first state to publicly report ED wait times
Like most states, Connecticut ‘s Emergency Departments (Eds) are overcrowded, causing staff burnout, crowding, and worse patient outcomes. To highlight the scope of the crisis, the CT College of Emergency Physicians has published a dashboard of ED boarding (waits in the ED for admission) and other performance measures. Connecticut is the first state to publicly…
Read MoreACA chapter in CT Healthcare Explained updated
We’ve updated the Affordable Care Act chapter of CT Healthcare Explained. The update was prompted by new numbers and new topics, including what we know about COVID insurance subsidies lapsing. CT Healthcare Explained is our explainer website cutting through the complexities of our state’s healthcare system. Like the other 17 topic sections, the ACA chapter…
Read MoreNew resource on CT health equity
Making data actionable, the Connecticut Health Equity Dashboards offer a single source of detailed information on important health and social determinants at the town and neighborhood levels. Created by the state Office of Health Strategy, the site compares dozens of metrics across chronic care management, burden of disease, complications and poor outcomes, access to prevention,…
Read MoreStill the best kept secret in CT healthcare – CID insurer report card
The 2025 annual CT health insurance plan comparison report from the CT Insurance Department (CID) is an underappreciated gold mine of information – for people and employers choosing plans and for researchers looking for trends and high performers. CID has been publishing the report since at least 2011. The Consumer Report Card on Health Insurance…
Read More