The bill, designated as Substitute Senate Bill No. 1471, establishes a two-year pilot program in Hartford aimed at providing a subsidized memory care program for low-income senior citizens, effective July 1, 2025. The Commissioner of Social Services is tasked with developing this program, prioritizing contractors with experience in assisted living services, particularly community action agencies. The program is intended to serve as an alternative to placements in secured units within skilled nursing facilities and must comply with existing regulations. Additionally, the commissioner is required to create a funding model that optimizes the use of state funds and may seek federal approval for a Medicaid waiver to support the initiative.

To ensure the program's effectiveness, the commissioner will convene a working group comprising representatives from community action agencies, senior advocacy organizations, and medical professionals specializing in Alzheimer's disease and dementia care. A report on the program's development is to be submitted to relevant legislative committees by September 1, 2025. The bill also includes a clarification in the language regarding Alzheimer's disease, ensuring clarity in the context of the program. The implementation of this pilot program is expected to incur costs for the Department of Social Services, which will depend on the program's scope and administrative needs.