Connecticut could better treat residents with chronic conditions such as diabetes and asthma while also saving on medical costs, according to community health workers (CHWs) models designed by UMass Medical School and reported in the New Haven Register.

A survey reveals that 45 percent of the state’s residents have been told they have a chronic condition, according to the Hartford Business Journal.

UMass Medical School is conducting a cost analysis for the New England Asthma Innovation Collaborative (NEAIC) project launched to improve asthma outcomes and reduce the health care costs of children in four New England states.

UMass Medical School health policy experts will discuss Affordable Care Act (ACA) and Medicaid waivers and newly issued federal guidance at an event June 28 sponsored by the Connecticut Health Foundation in collaboration with the Universal Health Care Foundation of Connecticut.

Waivers available under the Affordable Care Act (ACA) and Medicaid can be used to improve health insurance affordability and access in Connecticut, according to briefs authored by health policy experts at UMass Medical School and released jointly by the Connecticut Health Foundation (CT Health) and Universal Health Care Foundation of Connecticut.

Community health workers (CHW) can improve health outcomes, reduce health disparities and contain costs, according to a brief authored by health policy experts at UMass Medical School and released by the Connecticut Health Foundation (CT Health).

UMass Medical School health policy experts have prepared a resource guide on community health worker (CHW) certification processes in 15 states that reveals wide variability. The Connecticut Health Foundation (CT Health) commissioned the guide to help inform development of a CHW certification process in Connecticut.