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 provision that specifically allows for the compensation of personal care assistants. The Commissioner of Social Services is tasked with establishing training and documentation requirements for individuals seeking compensation under this program.

The bill also clarifies the financial contributions required from program participants based on their income levels, ensuring that those with incomes at or below 200% of the federal poverty level are not required to contribute to their care costs if they reside in affordable housing under the assisted living demonstration project. The effective date for these changes is set for July 1, 2025. Overall, the bill is expected to increase costs for the Department of Social Services as it expands access to personal care assistance services, particularly for clients who would not otherwise utilize such services if provided by their spouses or other caregivers.