The proposed bill, Substitute Bill No. 1176, aims to enhance funding for the Office of the Long-Term Care Ombudsman and the area agencies on aging service navigators. It appropriates a total of $115,000 to the Department of Aging and Disability Services from the General Fund for each of the fiscal years ending June 30, 2026, and June 30, 2027. This funding is specifically designated for hiring one regional ombudsman to support the Office of the Long-Term Care Ombudsman.

Additionally, the bill allocates $390,000 to the same department for the same fiscal years to provide funding for five area agencies on aging, as outlined in section 17a-850 of the general statutes. This funding will enable each agency to hire one additional service navigator, thereby improving the support and resources available to the aging population. The act is set to take effect on July 1, 2025, and introduces new sections to the existing law without any deletions.