2002 Connecticut health policymaker survey

In Spring 2002, Connecticut health policymakers in executive and legislative branches of government were surveyed to assess their needs for health policy information and their perceptions of upcoming health challenges facing Connecticut citizens; a similar survey was conducted in 2000. Policymakers receive information from a wide variety of sources; most often from within state government--state agencies and legislative staff--and from health advocacy organizations/coalitions. The most trusted sources of information are legislative staff, journals/publications, and state agencies. The areas of greatest need for information were: health-care financing, the uninsured, prescription drug coverage, long-term care, and mental health/substance abuse. Between 2000 and 2002, concerns over the costs of health care have increased significantly. Connecticut policymakers prefer to receive information in short, one, or two-page fact sheets.