Senate Bill 1110 (sSB1110 File No. 443) introduces amendments to the Medicaid payment reimbursement process, the Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP) vendor payment standards, and Medicaid payments for maternity services. The bill mandates that the Department of Social Services (DSS) be subrogated to any right of recovery an applicant or recipient of medical assistance has against an insurer or other legally liable third party, up to the amount expended by the department. It also specifies the process for subrogation assignment and the conditions under which claims for recovery submitted by the department cannot be denied. The bill prohibits certain insurance plans from denying coverage for services to individuals eligible for medical assistance and outlines that the Commissioner of Social Services shall not pay for services if the individual has coverage under an accident or health insurance policy. Additionally, the bill modifies the timeframe for third-party liability responses to DSS claims, reducing it from 90 to 60 days, and requires insurers to request any refund within 12 months from the date of reimbursement if they determine they are not liable.

Furthermore, sSB1110 File No. 443 requires the DSS commissioner to implement a program for purchasing deliverable fuel for low-income households and to ensure an adequate supply of vendors for LIHEAP by establishing pricing standards and allowing electronic submissions for fuel slips or invoices. The bill also allows the commissioner to implement bundled payment methodologies for maternity services and expands eligibility for state-funded medical assistance to children twelve years of age and younger, regardless of immigration status, with household incomes not exceeding 201% of the federal poverty level. The bill adjusts eligibility for benefits under HUSKY B, making children in households with incomes between 196% and 318% of the federal poverty level eligible for the program. It repeals several sections of the general statutes, removes limitations on the use of state funds for emergency housing, and includes a fiscal note indicating no anticipated fiscal impact. The effective dates for the provisions range from upon passage to specific dates in 2023.

Statutes affected:
Raised Bill:
HS Joint Favorable Substitute:
File No. 443: