The proposed bill, Substitute Senate Bill No. 1300, aims to amend the Connecticut Home Care Program for Elders by allowing compensation for individuals, including spouses, who provide personal care assistance to those enrolled in the state-funded portion of the program. The bill repeals subsection (i) of section 17b-342 and replaces it with new provisions that maintain eligibility criteria for the program while introducing a new clause that permits compensation for personal care assistance. Specifically, the Commissioner of Social Services is tasked with establishing training and documentation requirements for individuals seeking compensation under this program.

Additionally, the bill outlines the financial contributions required from participants based on their income levels, with specific exemptions for those residing in affordable housing under the assisted living demonstration project. The changes are set to take effect on July 1, 2025, and are expected to increase costs for the Department of Social Services due to the inclusion of spouse caregivers who were previously ineligible for compensation. The fiscal impact is anticipated to continue into future years, subject to inflation, as the program serves approximately 2,600 clients.