Connecticut Healthcare Affordability Forum Highlights Successful Collaboration Between State and Stakeholders

Healthcare advocates, policy experts, local business leaders, and state officials gathered at a forum on Friday, November 22 to exchange ideas about how employers can work with the government to reduce rising healthcare costs.  The Connecticut Healthcare Affordability: How It Impacts Your Company and Employees symposium took place at Quinnipiac University and was co-hosted by Governor Ned Lamont, Comptroller Sean Scanlon, and the Connecticut Office of Health Strategy (OHS).

The Connecticut Hospital Association (CHA) released a statement in response to the forum, noting that many of the suggestions presented by out-of-state experts have already been implemented in Connecticut due to successful partnerships between the private and public sectors.

“What has been made clear today is that Connecticut is a leader in tackling affordability thanks to the state’s collaborative approach of bringing together all stakeholders to find solutions,” the statement reads in part.  “To keep progressing, we must continue to identify Connecticut-developed solutions, including addressing chronic Medicaid underpayment that is putting enormous pressure on commercial health insurance spending.”

Medicaid reimbursement rates are not keeping pace with the cost of care.  As state agencies formulate Medicaid reform strategies based on stakeholder feedback, it is important to acknowledge that addressing underpayment continues to receive bipartisan support.  Hospitals and health systems look forward to engaging in productive conversations with state officials and lawmakers to prioritize related policy solutions during the upcoming legislative session.