Healthcare Cabinet Report Urges Array of Actions in Connecticut

Comptroller Sean Scanlon has unveiled the 2025 Comptroller’s Healthcare Cabinet Report, which includes ideas on restructuring current efforts and legislative proposals to promote healthcare equity and access in Connecticut.

Beginning in 2023, Comptroller Scanlon has brought together key policymakers, stakeholders, practitioners, and advocates at various roundtable events. This week marked the second collective meeting of the Cabinet, which is composed of subcommittees tasked with creating bold, transformative solutions to healthcare obstacles facing key demographic groups throughout our state.

“The 2025 Healthcare Cabinet Report is more than just policy ideas—it’s a roadmap to meaningful change,” said Comptroller Scanlon. “This year's report builds on our progress to address Connecticut’s biggest healthcare challenges—focusing on affordability, access, and workforce development. I look forward to working with the Legislature and Cabinet members to bring these proposals to fruition.”

Proposals in the Cabinet’s 46-page report include:

•             Increasing Medicaid reimbursement rates

•             Strengthening fertility care coverage laws

•             Providing funding to incentivize and support care coordination

•             Implementing a publicly available insurance plan scorecard for mental health parity

•             Establishing scholarships for students pursuing healthcare careers

The report noted that “Connecticut remains among the top states for healthcare spending. According to a study from the Kaiser Family Foundation, Connecticut ranks 9th in the country for per person healthcare spending, equating to an average annual cost of $12,500, while the national average is $10,000.”  Also pointed out: “Connecticut has taken the lead on many key healthcare initiatives, including the pandemic response most recently, which has made Connecticut a more attractive state for young families and new businesses.”

“We ask our dedicated lawmakers to continue their strong support of Connecticut healthcare workers and consider these proposals, which will build on efforts under way at Connecticut hospitals – the largest collective employer in the state – to grow and sustain rewarding jobs and a diverse healthcare workforce,” said Workforce Subcommittee Co-Chair Karen-Marie Buckley, Vice President of Advocacy at the Connecticut Hospital Association.  “The future of healthcare in Connecticut requires a strong workforce, and collaboration remains crucial to build a healthy future for caregivers and patients alike.”

Among the recommendations is establishment of a Healthcare Innovation Fund, “similar to the Manufacturing Innovation Fund … to be allocated a dedicated line item in the state budget, with an initial investment of $100 million.” 

Another recommendation urges creation of a centralized “clearinghouse” to serve as a one-stop resource for information on all state programs available for healthcare careers. This would include details on initiatives such as CareerConneCT, CT Health Horizons, student loan repayment programs, and other relevant opportunities. Having a single, accessible location for this information would streamline the process for individuals seeking to explore and pursue healthcare occupations in the state.”

R. Kyle Kramer, Chief Executive Officer of Day Kimball Health and Co-Chair of the Rural Healthcare Subcommittee, observed that “There is a simple reality that rural markets do not have the same level of availability of providers as urban/suburban markets, nor do they have the same levels of access to public or private transportation services. When contemplating Rural Social Determinants of Health, improvement in health status starts with access - access to an adequate supply of licensed clinical professionals via availability of reliable transportation.”

The Women’s Subcommittee, noting that many Connecticut families are facing affordability challenges, called for a permanent Connecticut Child Tax Credit of $600 per child which “can have an important financial impact in lifting them up.”

“Medicaid, which is also known as HUSKY in Connecticut, currently provides coverage for all children ages 15 and under, regardless of immigration status, as long as their families meet the qualifying income limit. The Women’s subcommittee is asking the Legislature to pass a law that would expand HUSKY coverage to eligible individuals until age 26 regardless of immigration status, similar to the Affordable Care Act (ACA).”

In the report’s introduction, Scanlon noted that “Co-chairs and members collectively approached big issues with bold solutions. As meetings come to a close, this report begins the critical conversations we must have during the legislative process and the work that is ahead. We must ensure that every single person in our state has access to the quality and affordable care that they deserve.”