Connecticut 2017 Regular Session

Connecticut Senate Bill SB00444

Introduced
1/19/17  
Introduced
1/19/17  
Refer
1/19/17  
Refer
1/19/17  
Refer
3/24/17  
Refer
3/24/17  
Report Pass
3/24/17  
Report Pass
3/24/17  
Refer
4/7/17  
Refer
4/7/17  
Report Pass
4/13/17  
Engrossed
5/3/17  
Engrossed
5/3/17  
Report Pass
5/5/17  
Report Pass
5/5/17  
Chaptered
6/19/17  
Chaptered
6/19/17  
Enrolled
6/22/17  
Enrolled
6/22/17  
Passed
7/5/17  

Caption

An Act Authorizing The Health Care Cabinet To Recommend Methods To Study And Report On Total State-wide Health Care Spending.

Impact

By empowering the Health Care Cabinet, SB00444 aims to improve accountability in health care spending and promote transparency. The provisions mandate the Cabinet to review delivery system reforms and other initiatives aimed at controlling costs, ensuring that the state maintains a focused approach to its healthcare system despite the complexities introduced by federal reforms. The bill's emphasis on evaluating health care expenditures could influence future legislation and policies by providing a framework for better resource allocation and program effectiveness.

Summary

Senate Bill No. 444, known as Public Act No. 17-151, focuses on establishing methods for evaluating and reporting on total statewide health care spending in Connecticut. The bill grants authority to the Health Care Cabinet, which is tasked with advising the Governor on developing an integrated health care system that addresses workforce adequacy and improvements to health care access and quality. The act not only seeks to analyze and report on health care expenditures but also to identify gaps and opportunities created by federal health care reforms, thereby ensuring the state's strategies remain relevant and effective.

Sentiment

The sentiment surrounding SB00444 appears to be largely supportive, with bipartisan backing during discussions indicated by its unanimous voting history. Advocates believe that the enhanced oversight of health care spending will facilitate a more sustainable and high-quality health care system in Connecticut. Nevertheless, some critics may still raise concerns over the practical implications of implementing suggested reforms or the adequacy of state resources to undertake such comprehensive evaluations of health care spending.

Contention

While SB00444 has generated general agreement among legislators, contentious issues may arise regarding the actual implementation of the Cabinet's recommendations on health care reforms. Possible debates could focus on the resource implications of extensive data collection and analysis, as well as concerns about whether the measures proposed will effectively translate into improved care delivery and affordability for Connecticut residents. The ongoing evaluation of the state's healthcare system underlines the necessity for continued dialogue among stakeholders in balancing cost control with access and quality of care.

Companion Bills

No companion bills found.

Similar Bills

No similar bills found.