The proposed legislation, General Assembly Substitute 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 repeals and replaces subsection (c) of section 17b-369, mandating the Commissioner of Social Services to develop a strategic plan that aligns with the long-term care plan established in section 17b-337. This plan will focus on enhancing home and community-based care options while considering various factors such as regional trends in the aging population, service demand, and gaps in care provision. Additionally, starting July 1, 2025, the Commissioner is required to implement measures to increase outreach to eligible beneficiaries for home-care programs and assist them in completing applications for these services.

Furthermore, the bill introduces a new subsection (g) to section 17b-337, establishing the Long-Term Care Planning Committee, which will study and recommend methods to expand long-term care options for Medicaid beneficiaries. The committee is tasked with submitting a report by December 1, 2025, detailing its findings and any legislative or appropriative recommendations necessary to facilitate the expansion of care options, particularly emphasizing care at home or in community settings over skilled nursing facilities. The report will also include an analysis of potential state savings from reducing reliance on skilled nursing facilities.

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