The bill, Substitute Senate Bill No. 1416, aims to expand long-term care options for Medicaid beneficiaries by requiring the Department of Social Services (DSS) to develop a strategic plan that enhances access to home- and community-based care. Specifically, starting July 1, 2025, the DSS Commissioner must rebalance the state's strategic plan for Medicaid long-term care supports and services to increase opportunities for beneficiaries to receive care in home or community settings. This rebalanced plan will include increased outreach to eligible beneficiaries for the Connecticut home-care program and assistance in completing applications for home- and community-based care Medicaid waiver programs.

Additionally, the bill mandates the Long-Term Care Planning Committee to study methods for expanding long-term care options, focusing on allowing 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 legislation or appropriations necessary to facilitate this expansion, including estimated state savings from reducing reliance on skilled nursing facilities. The bill also includes various insertions and deletions to update existing statutes, ensuring consistency and clarity in the language used.

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