Governor's Bill No. 5040 seeks to implement the Governor's budget recommendations for health and human services in Connecticut, introducing significant changes to cash assistance programs and rate-setting processes for care facilities. The bill modifies the state-administered general assistance program to provide a fixed monthly cash assistance of $269 to eligible individuals, eliminating the previous variable structure based on employment status and shelter requirements. It also establishes that individuals receiving cash assistance from other state or federal programs will not qualify for this program. Additionally, the bill creates a working persons with disabilities program offering medical assistance to employed disabled individuals, removes prior authorization requirements for certain mental health drugs, and allows antiretroviral drugs to be included in preferred drug lists.

In terms of rate-setting for facilities providing care to individuals with intellectual disabilities, the bill outlines specific increases and adjustments for fiscal years 2018 to 2028. Notably, it deletes previous percentage increases for fiscal years ending June 30, 2025, and 2026, while inserting new increases for 2027 and 2028, raising the rate increase for 2027 from two percent to five and eight-tenths percent, and for 2028 from three percent to six and three-tenths percent. The bill also mandates wage increases for nursing home personnel and allows the Commissioner of Social Services to review the clinical effectiveness of outpatient prescription drugs under Medicaid. Overall, the bill aims to streamline assistance programs, enhance support for vulnerable populations, and ensure that facilities can make necessary health and safety improvements while maintaining regulated rate adjustments.

Statutes affected:
Governor's Bill: