Substitute House Bill No. 7103, also known as Public Act No. 25-42, amends Section 17b-283 of the general statutes to establish a Medicaid waiver program, referred to as the "Katie Beckett Waiver Program," aimed at providing home and community-based services for individuals who are institutionalized or at risk of institutionalization. The bill lowers the age eligibility from twenty-one to eighteen years and specifies that eligible individuals must have a physical disability, potentially alongside a developmental disability, and meet the financial criteria set forth in the waiver.

Additionally, the bill mandates the Commissioner of Social Services to create an online resource by January 1, 2026, detailing eligibility criteria, available services, and contact information for support groups and funding sources for home modifications or adaptive equipment. The Commissioner is also required to develop a five-year plan to eliminate the waiting list for the program and to include information on eligibility and reimbursement rates in Medicaid provider bulletins. A report on this plan, including recommendations for necessary state appropriations, must be submitted to the relevant legislative committees by October 1, 2026.

Statutes affected:
Raised Bill:
HS Joint Favorable:
File No. 467:
APP Joint Favorable Substitute:
File No. 913:
File No. 941:
Public Act No. 25-42: