The proposed bill, Substitute Bill No. 289, aims to enhance the funding and quality metrics program for nursing homes in Connecticut. It mandates that, starting July 1, 2022, nursing facilities must comply with the collection and reporting of quality metrics as defined by the Department of Social Services (DSS), following consultations with relevant stakeholders. The bill introduces a phased approach to rate adjustments based on these quality metrics, with individualized reports provided to each nursing home beginning July 1, 2023. Additionally, it establishes a quality metrics program that incentivizes high-quality services for Medicaid beneficiaries, utilizing national quality measures and consumer satisfaction data. The DSS is required to submit a report on the program's implementation by February 1, 2027.

Furthermore, the bill allocates an annual pool of ten million dollars for enhanced Medicaid quality performance payments to eligible nursing homes based on their performance in the quality metrics program, starting from the fiscal year ending June 30, 2029. It also outlines the use of the Patient Driven Payment Model for calculating Medicaid reimbursement adjustments and introduces a Medicaid utilization pool for facilities with a high percentage of Medicaid residents. The bill specifies that certain facilities identified for serious quality issues will be ineligible for these payments. Overall, the legislation aims to improve the quality of care in nursing homes while ensuring appropriate funding and support for facilities serving a significant number of Medicaid beneficiaries.