State health advocate Ted Doolittle is quitting his job to take a job as a federal immigration judge. His last day is Thursday.
Doolittle was elected by the then governor. In January 2017, Danell P. Malloy was appointed Director of the Office of Health Care Advocacy. He started working with the state a month later.
Medical advocacy group general counsel Sean King will take over Doolittle’s role on an interim basis until a permanent replacement is named.
“It was a real honor and privilege,” Doolittle said in an interview. “People in Connecticut are lucky to have a team like the OHA that represents them in claim denials and other insurance matters. I feel it’s my job because I can help families struggling with medical care, and I’m also a bit of a bully when it comes to medical and health insurance issues, which are the challenges facing Connecticut today. are some of the most important issues facing us.”
Mr. Doolittle was the former associate director of the Center for Program Integrity at the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services, where he oversaw medical fraud and led the development of several Affordable Care Act initiatives. He also served as a federal prosecutor, deputy general counsel for United Health Care, and an assistant attorney general for Connecticut in fraud, waste, and abuse investigations.
He will begin his new role as a judge on September 25th.
As a healthcare advocate, Dolittle helped educate residents about the referral and pre-approval procedures for healthcare plans, as well as the appeals process. He answered registration and billing questions and intervened on behalf of residents regarding bill denial and pre-approval issues. He also taught people’s rights as a member of the medical program and testified on medical law.
During her tenure, Doolittle organized a series of talks called “Lunch and Learning,” where she spoke about everything from outpatient services to new health law enforcement and what it means for consumers. , discussed everything.
In his retirement letter to Gov. Ned Lamont on Friday, he said, “Health care is a human right and it’s an honor to fight for Connecticut families who struggle to get the care they need and deserve. It’s a privilege,” he said.
Several legislators and advocates praised Doolittle’s achievements.
Senator Saud Anwar (D-South Windsor), co-chair of the Public Health Commission, said: “During and after the pandemic, health services and their quality have become more complex and we have a voice that represents the people. It’s more important than ever,” he said. “I am grateful to Ted for his efforts to ensure the protection of his patients and to defend their health. I fought for the people of the state.”
“While we will be sad to lose Ted Doolittle as our health care advocate, we are thrilled that he will be able to use his legal acumen as a federal immigration judge to serve the most vulnerable people in our society. We do,” the congressman added. Christine McCarthy Verhey, Fairfield Democrat, also co-chair of the Public Health Commission.
Senate Minority Leader Kevin Kelly, Republican, Stratford, said the GOP caucus will continue to build on Doolittle’s fight for affordable health care.
“Ted Doolittle has served our state and our people well. said. “Ted’s commitment to achieving fair and just results for all will serve him well in his new role as an immigration officer.”
“I appreciate Ted’s advocacy for reducing healthcare costs and improving the quality of care on behalf of patients in Connecticut,” Lamont said in a statement. “His willingness to work with all stakeholders to improve access to care has resulted in improved outcomes for consumers. His deep knowledge of the healthcare system and dedication to consumer protection issues efforts will be missed.”
An advisory panel made up of legislative appointees interviews people and develops a list of up to five nominees for the position of health advocate. Once the list is sent to the governor, Mr. Lamont has 60 days to choose someone. If no action is taken, the top candidate on the list will be sent to the General Assembly for confirmation.
