This blog post is by Sam Haun, CT Health’s policy director.
As 2024 gets underway, we are watching a few key areas of work in the state. These include:
Coverage expansion for undocumented residents – Connecticut now covers all young people up to age 13 who qualify for HUSKY, regardless of immigration status. Last year, lawmakers agreed to raise the age to 15, effective July 1, 2024. We will be watching closely to see how that additional expansion is implemented. In addition, we will be watching efforts by many of our grantees and advocacy partners to further raise the age to ensure more people have coverage and can get care when they need it.
Sustainable funding for community health workers – In 2023, Connecticut passed legislation requiring Medicaid payment for community health workers. The state Department of Social Services is working on a plan to implement this payment, and we will be supporting those efforts. Many community health workers and advocates are working to make sure the state’s payment model is as effective as possible and has the funding it needs to succeed.
Affordable coverage options – Connecticut expanded affordable coverage options to those with incomes up to 175% of the federal poverty level by developing Covered Connecticut, which provides no-cost coverage for health plans purchased through Access Health CT. We know that there are many in the state who are still unable to afford coverage, making it difficult for them to get the care required to stay well. We plan to support efforts to further expand affordable coverage options to those with incomes between 175%-200% of the federal poverty level, to unlock new opportunities to access care.
In addition to these key areas of focus, we plan to monitor efforts related to maternal health as we work to develop our maternal health strategies in the coming year. And finally, we will be paying close attention to efforts to advance economic security as this issue plays a crucial role in sustainable health equity.
Policymakers have an opportunity to help make Connecticut a state where everyone has a fair opportunity to be as healthy as possible. As our advocacy partners continue their work on the ground, we are eager to be a resource for anyone interested in working toward health equity. If you have questions about CT Health’s policy work, please reach out to me.