The plan involves working with a nonprofit organization that buys medical debt from hospitals at extreme discounts and then cancels the debt.

Jenna Carlesso
Jenna is CT Mirror’s Health Reporter, focusing on health access, affordability, quality, equity and disparities, social determinants of health, health system planning, infrastructure, processes, information systems, and other health policy. Before joining CT Mirror Jenna was a reporter at The Hartford Courant for 10 years, where she consistently won statewide and regional awards. Jenna has a Master of Science degree in Interactive Media from Quinnipiac University and a Bachelor or Arts degree in Journalism from Grand Valley State University.
Newtown nursing home report alleges neglect, staffing shortages
CT inspectors found residents at the Athena-owned nursing home left in their beds for hours and in unsanitary conditions.
State noncommittal to nursing homes’ request for more money
The nursing homes asked for $193 million more to help sustain struggling elder care facilities. But legislators want more transparency.
Los Legisladores se comprometen a abordar la escasez de trabajadores de la salud
Legisladores están explorando estrategias de contratación y retención para aumentar el número de empleados.
Lawmakers pledge to address health care worker shortage
CT legislators will look at mandated nurse staffing ratios, mandatory overtime and examining recruitment and retention strategies.
CT Republicans introduce bills on parental notification for abortion
CT legislative leaders say parental notification bills are unlikely to be successful this year, but advocates want to “get a dialogue going.”
CT issues finding of ‘immediate jeopardy’ at Athena nursing home
The finding indicated that CT officials found conditions at the Newtown nursing home that could cause serious harm or death.
Lawsuits, fines, complaints put pressure on Athena nursing homes
Athena Health Care Systems, one of the biggest long-term care providers in CT, has come under scrutiny in three New England states.
CT Medicaid expansion launches for kids of any immigration status
CT lawmakers last year approved an expansion of Medicaid to those 12 and younger regardless of immigration status. It went into effect Jan. 1.
Health advocates outline priorities for upcoming legislative session
Advocates hope CT lawmakers expand HUSKY eligibility, address staffing shortages in health care, improve mental health resources and more.
BEST OF 2022: Long COVID persists, but doctors are working on treatments
With a growing number of people getting long COVID, treatment programs have launched in CT and elsewhere to help people manage the symptoms.
BEST OF 2022: As COVID hangs on, the ‘new normal’ is leaving many behind
Some who are immunocompromised or who care for an at-risk loved one are at higher risk now as COVID restrictions begin to fall away.
Lawmakers outline health policy priorities for upcoming session
Pressure is mounting on legislators to tackle the escalating cost of health care, to expand access to care and more in the upcoming session.
CT COVID hospitalizations are up nearly 60% from a month ago
Health officials are urging people to don masks indoors and consider the well-being of others as they go about the seasonal bustle.
Deidre Gifford appointed head of CT health strategy office
Andrea Barton Reeves, of the CT Paid Family and Medical Leave Insurance Authority, will replace Gifford at the Department of Social Services.