skip to main content
skip to newscasts

Saturday, February 15, 2025

Public News Service Logo
facebook instagram linkedin reddit youtube twitter
view newscast page
play newscast audioPlay

Trump administration begins sweeping layoffs with probationary workers, warns of larger cuts to come; NYC music school teachers strike after union negotiations break down; Ohio advocates push for inclusive policies during Black History Month; Health experts recommend sunshine, socializing to cure 'winter blues.'

view newscast page
play newscast audioPlay

Federal workers tasked with securing elections from foreign interference are placed on leave, parents' organizations reject dismantling Dept. of Education, and the Congressional Black Caucus presses discussions on slavery reparations.

view newscast page
play newscast audioPlay

Rural America struggles with opioids and homelessness in unexpected ways, Colorado's Lariat Ditch could help spur local recreation, and book deliveries revive rural communities hit by Hurricane Helene.

Medicaid Called Key to CT Health, Economy

play audio
Play

Thursday, August 23, 2018   

HARTFORD, Conn. – Medicaid plays an important role in Connecticut's economy, according to a new report from the Georgetown University Center for Children and Families.

The policy brief points out that HUSKY, Connecticut's Medicaid program, provides health insurance to 1 in 5 state residents, including more than a third of all children.

That's almost 800,000 people, and according to Patricia Baker, who heads the Connecticut Health Foundation, the program plays a major role in a sector of the state economy that is essential to job growth.

"Health care is nearly 15 percent of the state's gross domestic product and Medicaid represents 20 percent of that 15 percent," she points out.

Baker adds Medicaid is the largest source of federal funding coming into the state budget, but that funding is at risk if Congress makes deep cuts to the program.

Baker notes that the benefits exceed the cash that Medicaid brings in as health care dollars.

Researchers have found that people covered by Medicaid as children have better overall health when they reach adulthood.

"But most importantly, we've seen greater educational attainment, better high school graduation rates and better test scores for children that have been covered under Medicaid," Baker stresses.

Medicaid also is critical to seniors, covering 70 percent of nursing home residents in Connecticut.

Connecticut was one of the first states to expand Medicaid under the Affordable Care Act, reducing emergency room visits and greatly expanding access to treatment for things such as diabetes and opioid addiction.

But Baker says proposed cuts could reverse that progress.

"It could be $1 billion or more that could be at risk if the federal government would roll back some of these provisions in Medicaid," she explains.

Baker says policymakers need to understand the total impact of Medicaid on the state as they make difficult budget decisions.


get more stories like this via email

more stories
In 2023, the Biden administration ordered a Bakersfield oil company to remove old oil rigs from Carrizo Plain National Monument in Central California. (Bob Wick/BLM)

Environment

play sound

Groups that fight to protect public lands are criticizing the Trump administration's new review of all oil, gas and mining on public lands. National …


Environment

play sound

This weekend, Virginians will participate with other birders around the world in the Great Backyard Bird Count. Thousands of birding enthusiasts …

Environment

play sound

This weekend, birders across the world, including in Maryland, will participate in the Great Backyard Bird Count. Thousands of birding enthusiasts …


A new study looking at drought impacts on grasslands found that such lands in China saw a 43% reduction in annual productivity, compared with just a 25% reduction in North America under the same conditions. (Adobe Stock)

Environment

play sound

Grasslands are considered a vital component of South Dakota's landscape. But on the heels of new research, an expert suggests they might not fare as …

Social Issues

play sound

A New York City music school's faculty is back in the classroom after a weeklong strike. The Manhattan School of Music's Precollege Program faculty …

The nonprofit Facing History and Ourselves offers a mini-lesson for teachers about the Jan. 6 U.S. Capitol attack, designed for grades 6-12. (Adobe Stock)

Social Issues

play sound

A New York bill would require schools to teach about the Jan. 6 insurrection. The bill calls for all K-12 students to be taught about the event…

Health and Wellness

play sound

An Atlanta-based group is making sure more people have access to an unconventional but effective treatment for their moderate mental health challenges…

Social Issues

play sound

The Texas Department of Agriculture is accepting sponsor applications for its 2025 Summer Meal Programs. The Summer Food Service Program and the …

 

Phone: 303.448.9105 Toll Free: 888.891.9416 Fax: 208.247.1830 Your trusted member- and audience-supported news source since 1996 Copyright © 2021