Reference pricing lowers healthcare prices, could save CT millions

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…

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CT  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…

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New 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,…

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Analysis: Why is quality always TBD?

The quality of healthcare in Connecticut is average at best. Poor quality care compromises our health. But too often, improving quality is an afterthought. Paying less for poor quality is no bargain. We need both quality improvement and cost control. Thankfully, improving quality saves money. Read more

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Reference pricing lowers healthcare prices, could save CT millions

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 since 2019, Oregon has been saving $50 million annually on just their state employee plan,…

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Still 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…

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Workforce chapter in CT Healthcare Explained updated

We’ve updated the  Workforce chapter of CT Healthcare Explained. The update was prompted by new numbers and new topics, including more information on shortages. CT Healthcare Explained is our explainer website cutting through the complexities of our state’s healthcare system. Like the other 17 topic sections, workforce includes a Basics summary and a much longer…

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Analysis: The real goal of Medicaid work requirements

An old saying goes, there’s no right way to do the wrong thing. I hope that’s not true. Connecticut has to implement a requirement in HR-1, the new federal budget act, that 340,000 adults on Medicaid must work to keep their healthcare coverage. This wasn’t our idea; our policymakers didn’t vote for it. But we…

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HUSKY and work requirements – How to make it work

The largest cut in the new federal budget bill is Medicaid work requirements. It’s expected that 137,000 Connecticut residents will lose coverage and our state will lose $118 billion over the next ten years. If history repeats, most will lose coverage in error – they will be working or exempt Only two states have implemented…

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Quality chapter in CT Healthcare Explained updated

We’ve updated the Quality chapter of CT Healthcare Explained. The update was prompted by new numbers and new topics, including hospital and Medicaid quality of care. CT Healthcare Explained is our explainer website cutting through the complexities of our state’s healthcare system. Like the other 17 topic sections, Private Insurance includes a Basics summary and…

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