Substitute House Bill No. 5001, also known as Public Act No. 24-39, is designed to enhance support for Connecticut seniors by improving nursing and home-based care. The bill requires the development of a home care provider registry by January 1, 2025, to facilitate access to qualified providers for Medicaid recipients and improve industry oversight. It includes providers' details and exempts certain individuals from being listed. The bill also mandates that homemaker-companion agency employees wear identification badges from October 1, 2024, and introduces changes to the Connecticut home-care program for the elderly to prevent institutionalization and clarify the definition of a "long-term care facility." The program is structured to be cost-effective for the state, and the bill revises eligibility criteria, including presumptive Medicaid eligibility, and requires the Commissioner of Social Services to seek federal reimbursement for the costs of providing coverage to presumptively eligible individuals.

The bill proposes amendments to the eligibility criteria for a state-funded program that provides care for individuals requiring a level of care similar to that provided in a nursing home, adjusting income and asset limits. It also mandates the Commissioner of Social Services to collect data on the services provided and report to the General Assembly. Furthermore, the bill includes changes to Medicaid eligibility and coverage requirements for long-term care benefits, the role of municipal agents for elderly persons, and the establishment of community-based parent education and support centers. It revises the disclosure of files and records by the State Ombudsman and establishes a Community Ombudsman program. Lastly, the bill outlines the creation of a Centers of Excellence Program for nursing homes and an online nursing home consumer dashboard, with the act approved on May 21, 2024, and effective from July 1, 2024.

Statutes affected:
Raised Bill: 7-127b
AGE Joint Favorable Substitute: 7-127b
File No. 121: 7-127b
APP Joint Favorable Substitute: 7-127b
File No. 607: 7-127b
File No. 628: 7-127b
Public Act No. 24-39: 7-127b