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…

Connecticut Hospitals Basics There are many different categories of hospitals based on location, services provided, profit or non-profit status, government-run or independent, and whether they teach new clinicians. Hospitals are increasingly merging into large health systems. Connecticut has two very large systems, Hartford Healthcare and Yale-New Haven Health, and two smaller systems. As of 2022,…

Quality Basics Despite our high costs, the quality of healthcare in Connecticut is average, and it’s not improving. There is little connection between high prices and better quality in healthcare. Good quality measurement is critical to lowering costs, avoiding unnecessary care, improving healthcare value, and overall population health. Quality is complicated to measure, but very…

Prescription Drug Basics Soaring prices for drugs are driving healthcare costs, making care unaffordable for many and forcing sacrifices for families and taxpayers. Connecticut residents spend more on prescription drugs than other Americans. Drug companies are very profitable, more than other industries. In addition, an industry of middlemen also jack up drug prices. Drug companies…