SB 479, An Act Concerning Oversight Of Federal Fund Applications By The Department Of Social Services

TESTIMONY OF THE CONNECTICUT HOSPITAL ASSOCIATION
SUBMITTED TO THE HUMAN SERVICES COMMITTEE

Tuesday, March 17, 2026

The Connecticut Hospital Association (CHA) appreciates this opportunity to submit testimony concerning SB 479, An Act Concerning Oversight Of Federal Fund Applications By The Department Of Social Services.  CHA supports the bill.

Connecticut hospitals make our state stronger by delivering nationally recognized, world-class care, supporting jobs and economic growth, and serving communities across Connecticut.  Every day, hospitals improve access, affordability, and health equity — providing care to all patients regardless of ability to pay.  At the same time, hospitals invest in their workforce and local communities, even as they navigate significant financial and federal challenges.

SB 479 requires the Department of Social Services (DSS) to submit applications related to the Rural Health Transformation Program (RHTP) to the Human Services Committee for review.  The committee may then schedule a public hearing on the application and vote on whether to approve, deny, or modify it.

CHA supports SB 479 as it establishes a RHTP process that provides the legislature and stakeholders with additional opportunity to participate as meaningful stakeholders in the process.

Hospitals are at the core of care delivery across the state.  As the state processes funding applications and begins implementing projects under the RHTP, CHA encourages a strategy that invests in rural hospitals and the broader technology infrastructure and clinical partnerships that help extend care into rural communities.

We believe an effective transformation plan should reflect the realities of Connecticut’s healthcare delivery system and take a statewide perspective that recognizes the interdependence of providers and the critical contributions of all hospitals, including CMS-designated rural referral centers (RRCs) and other hospitals that routinely serve rural populations.

Increasing workforce recruitment and retention, ensuring sustainable access to care, expanding technology and innovation, and strengthening local and regional partnerships are aligned as CMS’s goals of the program, the state’s objectives, and priorities for Connecticut hospitals.

CHA is deeply committed to improving the health and well-being of patients in rural Connecticut and ensuring that all residents, regardless of geography, have access to high-quality care when and where they need it.  We look forward to working with DSS, the committee, and other state agencies through this proposed review process and in other venues to ensure the successful implementation of the Rural Health Transformation Program in a way that supports healthcare delivery needs across Connecticut and meaningfully includes hospitals in the process.

Thank you for your consideration of our position.  For additional information, contact CHA Government Relations at (203) 294-7301.