HB 6903, An Act Establishing A Pilot Program To Disseminate Information Concerning Child Care Services, Early Intervention Programs And Financial Assistance Programs To Patients Receiving Prenatal Care

TESTIMONY OF CONNECTICUT HOSPITAL ASSOCIATION
SUBMITTED TO THE CHILDREN’S COMMITTEE

Thursday, February 13, 2025

The Connecticut Hospital Association (CHA) appreciates this opportunity to submit testimony concerning HB 6903, An Act Establishing A Pilot Program To Disseminate Information Concerning Child Care Services, Early Intervention Programs And Financial Assistance Programs To Patients Receiving Prenatal Care. CHA supports the goals of this bill but recommends several important changes if the bill is to achieve its purpose.

Connecticut hospitals and health systems care for patients, strengthen the state’s economy, and support vulnerable communities across the state. Every day, they work to improve healthcare access, affordability, and health equity. Even as they face ongoing challenges, hospitals provide world-class care to everyone who walks through their doors, regardless of their ability to pay. Hospitals also support an exemplary workforce as the largest collective employer in the state, contribute significantly to the state’s economy, and invest in their communities addressing social drivers of health.

HB 6903 would establish a one-year pilot program to disseminate information concerning child care services, early intervention programs, and financial assistance programs available to
expectant mothers receiving prenatal care in hospitals in the state. We agree with the importance of disseminating this information to expectant mothers but suggest that this pilot focus on prenatal care offered by obstetricians and midwives in community practices, where the vast majority of such care is provided today. A hospital-based pilot would reach only a limited population and would not provide generalizable information as to the program’s effectiveness or scalability.

In addition, the proposed consultation with the Department of Social Services (DSS) may provide an opportunity to reach obstetrical and midwifery practices serving low-income populations.

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