The proposed legislation, General Assembly Substitute Bill No. 1416, aims to enhance long-term care options for Medicaid beneficiaries by rebalancing the existing 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 under section 17b-337, which includes input from home, community-based, and institutional providers. Key considerations for this plan will include regional trends in the aging population, demand for services, gaps in service provision, quality of care, and the condition of institutional facilities. The bill also introduces a requirement for the Commissioner to implement a rebalanced strategic plan by July 1, 2025, focusing on increasing opportunities for beneficiaries to receive care in home or community-based settings, along with enhanced outreach and assistance for eligible beneficiaries.

Additionally, the bill establishes a new subsection (g) in section 17b-337, which tasks the Long-Term Care Planning Committee with studying methods to expand long-term care options for Medicaid beneficiaries. This includes exploring ways to facilitate 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 legislative or appropriative actions necessary to support the expansion of these options, including potential cost savings for the state from reduced reliance on skilled nursing facilities.

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