The proposed legislation, General Assembly Raised Bill No. 1416, aims to expand long-term care options for Medicaid beneficiaries by rebalancing the delivery of Medicaid long-term care supports and services. The bill mandates the Commissioner of Social Services to develop a strategic plan that aligns with the existing long-term care plan, focusing on enhancing care in home and community-based settings as well as institutional care. Key elements of the strategic plan will include assessing regional trends in the aging population, demand for services, gaps in care provision, quality of care, and the condition of institutional facilities. The bill also introduces a requirement for the Commissioner to implement a rebalanced plan by July 1, 2025, which will enhance outreach to eligible beneficiaries and assist them in applying for home and community-based care programs.

Additionally, the bill establishes a new subsection in section 17b-337, creating a Long-Term Care Planning Committee tasked with studying methods to further expand long-term care options for Medicaid beneficiaries. This committee is required to report its findings and recommendations to relevant legislative committees by December 1, 2025, including any potential savings for the state from reducing reliance on skilled nursing facilities in favor of home or community-based care. The bill includes specific insertions and deletions to current statutes to facilitate these changes, emphasizing a shift towards more accessible and flexible long-term care solutions for Medicaid recipients.

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