Public Health Basics The COVID pandemic proved the value of public health to save lives and improve health. Public health is among the best investments to improve the health of Connecticut’s population, but it has been chronically underfunded. Connecticut spends about 1% of our state budget on public health for all 3.6 million residents, roughly…

Evidence Basics Studies estimate that only one in twenty commonly used healthcare treatments are supported by good evidence of effectiveness. Evidence-based Medicine provides clinicians with recommendations for treatment based on high-quality evidence. Both government agencies and non-government organizations evaluate evidence for treatments, create treatment guidelines, and share recommendations with providers so they can be used…

Workforce Basics One in eight Connecticut employees works in healthcare. It is one of the fastest growing employment sectors in the state as demand for healthcare is increasing. In general, healthcare jobs are well-paid, but most require extensive education. There are nine schools of nursing in Connecticut, and three medical schools. All Connecticut healthcare workers…

Consolidation The Basics Connecticut’s healthcare market is consolidated into a few large health systems. Hospitals are merging together (horizontal integration), and physicians are joining the systems (vertical integration). This concentration of providers has led to higher prices demanded by the growing monopolies, raising insurance premiums, closing services such as Maternity and Delivery Care, increased burdens…