Michelle L. Cook

Deputy Speaker of the House Michelle L. Cook (D – Torrington) has been named Legislator of the Year by the Connecticut Association for Healthcare at Home. Rep. Cook was honored during the Association’s annual meeting at the Hartford Marriott Downtown Friday, October 25.

“I am honored to be recognized as the association’s Legislator of the Year,” said Rep. Cook, who serves on the legislature’s Public Health, Education, Legislative Management, and Human Services Committees. “It is essential that we look out for our aging residents, increase access to care, and reduce out-of-pocket expenses so that care remains affordable.”

Rep. Cook was selected for her leadership and advocacy to bolster the state’s safety net to improve health outcomes for low-income residents and patients who require healthcare in home or community-based settings.

During the 2019 legislative session, Rep. Cook introduced the concept for legislation to require Medicaid coverage for telehealth services to increase patient access and lower the cost of care. She also cosponsored legislation to update Connecticut’s Public Health Code regulations to remove the term “homemaker” in reference to home health aide agencies and services. Governor Lamont signed both bills into law.

The Association is also recognizing Rep. Cook for introducing the concept for legislation that would require Medicaid to cover in-home counseling provided by home healthcare agencies.

“Rep. Cook has been our industry’s champion for Connecticut families in need of healthcare in home and community-based settings, as well as a leader in advocating for the sustainability and adequacy of our provider safety net to ensure positive health outcomes for low-income residents. Your efforts in communicating our challenges around DPH regulatory technical language changes and need for Medicaid telemonitoring and Social Work coverage are commendable and appreciated,” said Tracy Wodatch, President and CEO of the Connecticut Association for Healthcare at Home.

The Connecticut Association for Healthcare at Home is an industry leader in cost-effective home health, hospice, and community-based solutions. It ensures Connecticut patients have access to high quality treatment and patient-centered care in the comfort of their own homes. For more information, please call 203-265-9931, email cahch@cthealthcareathome.org, or visit the Association’s website at www.cthealthcareathome.org.