Senate Bill 344 (sSB344 File No. 164) seeks to amend the general statutes related to the treatment of certain federal veterans' benefits when determining income eligibility for various public assistance programs in Connecticut. The bill, effective July 1, 2024, requires the Commissioner of Social Services to disregard all federal non-service-connected, Aid and Attendance, and Housebound pension benefits administered by the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs in income eligibility assessments for state programs such as Medicare savings, medical assistance, and energy assistance programs. It also repeals and substitutes certain subsections to align with these changes, removes asset tests for the Medicare Savings Program, and provides for the implementation of policies and procedures to administer these provisions while the formal regulatory process is underway.

Additionally, the bill revises eligibility standards for medical assistance, setting the threshold at 143% of the benefit amount for a household of equal size with no income under the temporary family assistance program. It covers individuals under 19 with household income up to 196% of the federal poverty level without an asset limit, and their parents and needy caretaker relatives with household income not exceeding 155% of the federal poverty level without an asset limit. The bill also requires the Commissioner to provide applicants with written statements about the impact of property disposition and income levels on eligibility, and information on the Connecticut Home Visiting System. The fiscal impact statement indicates potential costs to DSS due to the disregarding of certain VA-administered pensions and allowances, which could increase the number of individuals eligible for various state assistance programs.

Statutes affected:
Raised Bill:
VA Joint Favorable Substitute:
File No. 164: