The proposed legislation, General Assembly Substitute Bill No. 1416, aims to expand long-term care options for Medicaid beneficiaries by rebalancing the current Medicaid long-term care supports and services. The bill mandates the Commissioner of Social Services to develop a strategic plan that aligns with the long-term care plan established in section 17b-337, which includes input from home, community-based, and institutional providers. Key areas of focus for the strategic plan will include regional trends in the aging population, demand for services, gaps in service provision, quality of care, and adjustments to nursing facility bed capacity. Notably, the bill introduces a new requirement for the Commissioner to rebalance the strategic plan by July 1, 2025, to enhance opportunities for beneficiaries to receive care in home or community-based settings, including increased outreach and assistance for program applications.

Additionally, the bill establishes a new subsection (g) in section 17b-337, which tasks the Long-Term Care Planning Committee with studying methods to further expand long-term care options for Medicaid beneficiaries. This includes exploring ways to allow more beneficiaries to receive care at home or in community settings instead of skilled nursing facilities. The Committee is required to submit a report by December 1, 2025, detailing their findings and any recommendations for appropriations or legislation, along with estimated savings to the state from reducing reliance on skilled nursing facilities. The bill repeals certain existing provisions in section 17b-369(c) and replaces them with updated language to reflect these changes.

Statutes affected:
Raised Bill:
HS Joint Favorable:
File No. 477:
APP Joint Favorable: