Commissioner Faces Criticism Over Aetna Ambulance Decision Amid Monopoly Concerns

The Town of Wethersfield is facing critical discussions regarding its emergency medical services (EMS) as the Department of Public Health considers a request to change the primary service area responder. Concerns were raised during a recent government meeting about the implications of this decision on community health and safety.

A key point of contention is the ownership structure of Aetna Ambulance, which is split between two major entities: Aetna and Hartford HealthCare. Critics argue that Hartford HealthCare's significant control over multiple ambulance licenses in Connecticut raises questions about competition and service availability. They highlighted that this situation mirrors past interventions by the state attorney general aimed at curbing monopolistic practices in the ambulance sector.

Participants in the meeting emphasized that community-based ambulance services are essential for maintaining effective 911 emergency response systems. They warned that adopting the proposed changes could jeopardize timely ambulance responses, particularly in critical situations such as heart attacks. The potential dismantling of the existing EMS framework was described as a threat to public safety, with dire consequences for residents in Wethersfield and surrounding areas.

As the Department of Public Health deliberates on this matter, the community remains watchful, understanding that the outcome will significantly impact emergency medical response capabilities. The discussions underscore the importance of thorough investigations into ownership and operational practices within the ambulance service sector to ensure that public health is prioritized.