Substitute Senate Bill No. 989, known as Public Act No. 23-186, is a comprehensive legislative act that addresses Medicaid reimbursement rates and the operations of nonprofit providers. The bill requires a two-part study of Medicaid reimbursement rates, first focusing on physician specialists, dentists, and behavioral health providers, and then on other Medicaid services. The study will compare Connecticut's rates with those of neighboring states and Medicare, factoring in cost-of-living increases. Interim reports are due in 2024 and 2025, with the assurance that findings will not impact Medicaid rates for the fiscal years ending on June 30, 2024, and June 30, 2025. The bill also allows nonprofit private providers to retain savings from service contracts, subject to certain conditions and reporting requirements. It repeals a previous incentive program for nonprofit human service providers and introduces a Medicaid reimbursement program for certified community health workers, detailing eligible services and requiring stakeholder consultation for program design.

Furthermore, the bill permits nursing homes with appropriate vehicles to provide nonemergency transportation for nonambulatory residents to family homes within fifteen miles, subject to medical professional approval, without authorizing payment for such services. It tasks the Commissioner of Social Services with evaluating the potential for federal funding for these transportation needs. Additionally, the bill establishes a working group to review nursing home waiting list requirements, including the use of electronic lists, with a report due by January 1, 2024. The bill was approved on June 28, 2023.

Statutes affected:
Raised Bill:
HS Joint Favorable Substitute:
File No. 554:
JUD Joint Favorable:
Public Act No. 23-186: 4-216