The proposed bill, General Assembly Proposed Bill No. 5362, aims to amend Title 17b of the general statutes by introducing two key changes. First, it seeks to benchmark Medicaid provider payment rates to eighty percent of corresponding Medicare rates, which is intended to enhance the financial viability of Medicaid providers. Second, the bill directs the Commissioner of Social Services to apply for a Section 1115 waiver under the Social Security Act. This waiver would allow the state to implement work and time limit requirements for nonpregnant, low-income adults aged eighteen to sixty-four to maintain their eligibility for Medicaid coverage under the HUSKY D health program.

The overarching goal of this legislation is to increase Medicaid payment rates, thereby reducing state costs while promoting efficacy and better health outcomes for participants in the HUSKY D health program. The bill reflects a strategic approach to reforming Medicaid by aligning payment structures with Medicare and introducing eligibility requirements that may encourage workforce participation among beneficiaries.