Stats & Data
Exceptional CT-specific data training resources
Effective health advocacy requires evidence. Persuading policymakers, funders, providers, and consumers is a lot easier if you can demonstrate the need and why your option is the best solution. Data analysis can seem intimidating, but there is help. The nonprofit CT Data Collaborative is a state treasure, offering accessible, understandable training in practical tools across…
Read MoreObesity in Connecticut is stabilizing, but it’s a serious problem. Federal cuts and high drug prices aren’t helping.
Just over 30% of Connecticut adults were obese last year, according to the latest report by the Trust for America’s Health. In good news, that rate has leveled off since 2021. Nationally, obesity rates are also stable at 40%. Unfortunately, that is too high. Obesity is associated with higher mortality and higher healthcare costs. Obese…
Read MoreRisk to CT hospitals from Medicaid cuts varies significantly
The federal budget bill, HR-1, will cause significant cuts across Connecticut’s healthcare landscape. Much of the cuts will fall on hospitals, but the burden will not be shared equally. A new analysis by Third Way estimates that statewide, Connecticut hospitals will lose $378 million annually over the next ten years due to federal Medicaid cuts.…
Read MoreCTNJ: CT needs to prepare for impending surge in uninsured care
Next year, we may look back fondly on the uninsured numbers released Tuesday estimating 26.7 million Americans were uninsured last year. Like the rest of the US, Connecticut’s uninsured rate fell significantly a decade ag, making it old news. Other healthcare issues have taken over the spotlight. But federal budget cuts will soon put the…
Read MoreBook Club — Pre-Existing Conditions: How Lobbying Makes American Health Care More Expensive
If you’re still looking for a summer read, Pre-Existing Conditions, by Alex Garlick, is a good choice. This is the first deep dive I’ve found into the impact of state-based lobbying on healthcare costs. Most descriptions of healthcare policy, including the influence of lobbying, only looks at the federal level. Most important health policy happens…
Read MoreHealthcare Workforce chapter in CT Healthcare Explained updated
We’ve updated the Healthcare Workforce chapter of CT Healthcare Explained. The update was prompted by new numbers, workplace violence, and evidence-based solutions to build a healthy workforce. CT Healthcare Explained is our explainer website cutting through the complexities of our state’s healthcare system. Like the other 17 topic sections, the Healthcare Workforce chapter includes a…
Read MoreCT Medicaid Home & Community Services spending up, but that’s what we want
Read the report Recently, Connecticut Medicaid per member costs have grown significantly while enrollment is easing, according to the latest state financial report. Since switching from managed care organizations in 2012 to focus on care management, Connecticut Medicaid spending had stabilized while enrollment expanded significantly. With COVID, enrollment grew and per member costs dropped. Post-COVID…
Read MoreUpdated again: HUSKY and work requirements – Incorporating the new federal rule
Updated June 30, 2026 to include states’ lawsuit Download the update corrected version with revisions highlighted Download a clean version of the update To incorporate new federal regulations, we’ve again updated our paper with recommendations for implementing federal changes and cuts to Connecticut’s Medicaid program that become effective January 1st of next year. This version…
Read MoreHospital 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…
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