Substitute House Bill No. 7048 seeks to revise the structure and responsibilities of the Health Care Cabinet within the Office of Health Strategy in Connecticut. The bill proposes to increase the number of appointed members from five to seven by the Governor, ensuring representation from community health centers, insurance producers, and a statewide association of community nonprofits. It also introduces two new appointments by the president pro tempore of the Senate and the speaker of the House of Representatives, both serving four-year terms. Additionally, the bill modifies the roles of ex-officio members, adds the Behavioral Health Advocate as a voting member, and removes previous provisions regarding appointments by the SustiNet Health Partnership board of directors.

The bill further updates the advisory functions of the Health Care Cabinet, focusing on the evaluation of the health care workforce and the effectiveness of delivery system reforms. It eliminates the requirement for joint evaluation with the Connecticut Health Insurance Exchange concerning a basic health program option, thereby streamlining the cabinet's focus on health care access, quality, affordability, and statewide spending. The initial term for gubernatorial appointees is reduced from four years to three years, and the authority to appoint two voting members is transferred from the board members to the Office of Health Strategy commissioner. The bill is set to take effect upon passage, aiming to enhance the cabinet's ability to advise the Governor on health care matters in Connecticut while ensuring adequate representation and addressing behavioral health advocacy.

Statutes affected:
Raised Bill:
PH Joint Favorable:
File No. 163: