Department of Developmental Services

Connecticut private mental-health providers are confused and angry with state officials telling them to be  “more efficient” amidst more proposed state budget cuts even after years of slashed allocations and rigorous  cost reductions by the providers themselves.

Even some state healthcare officials agree that private providers can provide the same, if not better, services for less than half the cost of state agencies.

The Stamford Advocate notes:

”Testimony submitted last month to the Legislature’s Appropriations Committee by the state Department of Developmental Services notes that while state-run residential facilities can cost upwards of $300,000 annually for each patient, private providers are offering the same services for about $131,000 a year.”

“Even some state healthcare officials agree that private providers can provide the same, if not better, services for less than half the cost of state agencies.”

A major reason for the cost differential; Unionized public employees earn a lot more than private providers’ employees.