Connecticut
Opinion: A CT doctor shortage made worse
The United States is currently in the grips of a massive physician shortage estimated to be over 60,000. As the workforce ages, the Association of American Medical Colleges estimates the physician shortage will increase to over 86,000 physicians by 2036.
Connecticut is not immune with almost 20% of residents already living in designated Health Professional Shortage Areas (HPSAs) with fewer than one primary care physician per 3,500 residents.
This critical shortage has dire consequences for the health of Connecticut residents. Wait times to see primary care physicians already average over 26 days and are projected to get longer. As fewer physicians struggle to manage the health of an ever-growing population, healthcare outcomes suffer. One study published in the Annals of Internal Medicine showed that the average life expectancy of people living in HPSAs was almost a full year shorter than those who do not. In short, physician shortages kill.
Connecticut ranks 46 out of 50 states in physician retention, as only 41.7% of physicians who complete their residency in Connecticut remain here to practice medicine. By contrast, the proportion of physicians who stay in the highest-ranking states, California and Texas, after training are 78% and 66%, respectively. This dire situation demands urgent action to attract physicians to our state rather than push them away, to prevent our physician shortage from getting worse.
An Act Limiting Out-of-Network Costs (H.B. 6871) is being proposed, purportedly to control healthcare costs. However, beyond worsening the physician shortage that is already drowning Connecticut’s healthcare system, we are concerned that this bill would also particularly devastate rural hospitals and small physician-run private practices.
At first glance, the bill’s goals appear innocuous, capping the maximum amount that healthcare providers could charge health insurers for out-of-network care at 240% of the Medicare rate. However, by tilting the balance in negotiations far in favor of insurers over physicians and hospitals, this bill would do serious damage to the ability of healthcare providers to negotiate fair rates with insurers. These adverse consequences have led to a coalition of physicians and hospitals from around the state to warn of dire consequences for access to care in Connecticut should the bill pass.
Medicare reimbursement for hospitals and physicians is 50% and 70% the rate of private insurers, respectively. Even worse, Medicare payments to physicians have fallen 33% in inflation-adjusted terms since 2001. Tying out-of-network reimbursement to Medicare rates would place providers at a significant disadvantage as these rates continue to decline.
Physicians and other clinicians will become scarcer as practicing in Connecticut becomes infeasible. Hospitals will close. Essential physician practices, beloved by the communities they serve, will be forced to shut their doors for good. As struggling healthcare facilities and practices are forced to close, the health of Connecticut residents will ultimately suffer. Rather than the approach being offered by this bill, which will limit services while not addressing the root causes of cost, we advocate for focus on policies to improve physician retention in and recruitment to Connecticut.
Tax and regulatory incentives can entice physicians to move or keep their practices here. Providing student loan relief to young physicians who are being crushed by sky-high student loan debt in the face of high cost of living can make it practical for them to start their lives and careers here. These reforms can expand the supply of physicians available to Connecticut residents, reducing wait times and meaningfully improving public health.
We urge the General Assembly to reject H.B. 6871 and get to work on practical solutions to heal our ailing healthcare system. The health of Connecticut’s people depends on it.
Ryan Englander is a MD/PhD candidate at the University of Connecticut. Anthony Yoder, DO, is Chair, Health and Public Policy, CT Chapter, American College of Physicians.
Connecticut
At least four injured after multi-vehicle accident involving bus in Bridgeport, per police
At least three people were taken to local hospitals after a multi-vehicle accident involving a public transit bus in Bridgeport, Connecticut, on Tuesday, according to the Bridgeport Police Department.
The collision took place at around 7:40 p.m. on the 500 block of Water Street, where officials located a Greater Bridgeport Transit Authority (GBTA) bus that struck at least six other vehicles and a wall of the Bridgeport train station.
Once at the scene, emergency medical officials transported several individuals to local hospitals for evaluation and treatment. Two people were taken to Bridgeport Hospital, and two others to St. Vincent’s Medical Center; the extent of their injuries was unknown, per authorities.
An MTA Facility Manager has responded to the scene to assess the structural damage, according to police.
Train service was not impacted on the Metro-North lines as a result of the nearby collision. However, traffic was impacted by the closure of the northbound lane of Water Street between State Street and John Street.
The Bridgeport Police Department Accident Reconstruction Team reported to the site of the crash to examine the circumstances surrounding the accident.
Anyone with information related to this incident is asked to contact the Bridgeport Police Department Traffic Division, Sergeant Darryl Wilson, at 203-576-7640.
Connecticut
Owls, Storytimes, Lights, And Countdown Fun: Here’s What’s Happening Across Connecticut This Weekend
CONNECTICUT — The quiet stretch between Christmas and New Year’s is anything but dull in Connecticut. With schools on break and families looking for ways to get out of the house, towns across the state are rolling out kid-friendly programs, glowing light displays, museum activities, and creative ways to ring in the new year early — or right at midnight. From owls in Mystic to trolley rides in East Windsor and countdown celebrations from Torrington to Hartford, this weekend (Dec. 26–28, with New Year’s Eve events close behind) offers plenty of reasons to bundle up and explore.
In Mystic, nature lovers can spend Friday, Dec. 26, learning about one of the region’s most fascinating nocturnal creatures during Vacation Day: All About Owls at the Denison Pequotsepos Nature Center. Designed for kids on school break, the program introduces participants to local owl species through hands-on activities, live animal presentations, and outdoor exploration. It’s a great option for families looking to balance holiday downtime with educational fun.
Over in Greenwich, the Bruce Museum is hosting Once Upon a Museum: Winter Storytime from Friday through Sunday, Dec. 26–28. Held each morning, the program combines seasonal storytelling with museum exploration, offering young children a calm, creative start to the day. Parents can expect winter-themed books, light activities, and a welcoming introduction to museum spaces that keeps little listeners engaged without overwhelming them.
For families seeking something festive after dark, East Windsor is glowing thanks to Winterfest & the Winter Tunnel of Lights at the Connecticut Trolley Museum. Running on select dates including Dec. 26–28, the event features illuminated displays, holiday décor, and nighttime trolley rides through a sparkling tunnel of lights. The experience blends transportation history with holiday spectacle, making it a unique winter outing for all ages.
Meanwhile, Meriden continues its long-running seasonal tradition with the Festival of Silver Lights at Hubbard Park, which remains on display through Jan. 2. The expansive park is transformed by thousands of white lights wrapped around trees, lining walkways, and reflecting off the park’s lake. Visitors can drive through or park and stroll, making it one of the state’s most accessible and popular holiday light displays.
As the weekend gives way to New Year’s Eve, Connecticut towns are preparing celebrations that range from family-friendly to full-scale citywide events. In Hartford, First Night Hartford 2026 takes over downtown on Tuesday, Dec. 31. This alcohol-free celebration features live music, dance, comedy, ice skating, fireworks, and activities spread across multiple indoor and outdoor venues. It’s one of the state’s largest New Year’s Eve events and a longtime tradition for families and night owls alike.
For those with younger children who won’t make it to midnight, Torrington offers KidsPlay Countdown on Dec. 31. Hosted by the KidsPlay Children’s Museum, the event allows kids to celebrate the new year with games, activities, and a countdown timed just for them. It’s festive without being overwhelming and lets families enjoy the excitement of New Year’s Eve without late-night fatigue.
Another early celebration takes place in East Lyme, where Countdown to Noon gives families a chance to ring in the new year before lunchtime. With music, activities, and a midday countdown, the event is tailored to younger children who want the thrill of a New Year’s celebration without staying up past bedtime.
Altogether, this post-holiday weekend highlights the best of Connecticut’s winter programming: educational nature programs, calm museum mornings, glowing light displays, and creative countdowns that meet families where they are. Whether you’re exploring owls in Mystic, riding a trolley through lights in East Windsor, listening to stories in Greenwich, or planning ahead for a New Year’s countdown in Hartford, Torrington, or East Lyme, there’s no shortage of ways to close out 2025 and step into 2026 with a sense of wonder.
Connecticut
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