GROTON — State Sen. Heather Somers of Groton was honored by the Connecticut College of Emergency Physicians Wednesday as the organization’s 2018 Legislator of the Year.
“As co-chair of the Senate Public Health Committee, I’ve fought to improve the quality, availability and affordability of health care,” Somers said. “By supporting common sense policies, working diligently to improve our health care system and reaching across the aisle, we can continue to make Connecticut a better place for both providers and patients.”
The organization cited Somers’ efforts to pass SB-378 (Reimbursement of High Deductible Health Plans) during the 2018 session and commitment to fighting for more equitable reimbursement practices for health care providers.
“Putting the onus of collecting outstanding payments from patients on physicians increases overhead costs, puts a negative strain on the doctor-patient relationship and can cause patients to avoid necessary care from their physician,” Somers said. “That is why I’ll continue to fight for an equitable reimbursement process that protects physicians and patient care.”
THE CCEP announced its recognition of Senator Somers at a meeting of the organization on Wednesday, October 24 at the Sheraton Hartford South in Rocky Hill.
In addition to the award Somers accepted Wednesday, Somers has been recognized by eight organizations with awards for her work in the 2018 session as Co-Chair of the Public Health Committee.
- The Arc New London County – Legislative Service Award
- Presented: June 19, 2018
- For efforts on behalf of people with intellectual and developmental disabilities.
- CT Children’s Medical Center-Recognition Award
- Presented: September 12, 2018
- For tireless advocacy on behalf of their most vulnerable patients and helping to facilitate their ECMO team.
- Radiological Society – Patient Hero Award
- Presented: September 13, 2018
- For advocacy for patients and legislation that will encourage women to have life saving breast cancer screenings.
- CT State Medical Society – 2018 Legislative Recognition Award
- Presented: September 27, 2018
- For tireless efforts on behalf of the physicians of Connecticut and the patients they serve.
- Keep the Promise Coalition – Legislative Leadership Award
- Presented: October 9, 2018
- For protecting the rights of people living with mental health challenges.
- CT Association of Optometrists – Certificate of Recognition
- Presented: October 2018
- For outstanding leadership in promoting quality and safe vision care services for patients.
- Hartford County Medical Association – Legislative Citation
- Presented: October 10, 2018
- For advocacy for Hartford County physicians and their patients.
- CT College of Emergency Physicians – 2018 Legislator of the Year Award
- Presented: October 24, 2018
- For Senator Somers’ work on SB-378.
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