General Assembly Raised Bill No. 5358 seeks to amend the reimbursement rates for certain residential facilities that provide care but are not certified under the Title XIX Medicaid program. The bill repeals subsections (a) and (b) of section 17b-244 of the general statutes and introduces new provisions that require the Commissioner of Social Services to assess room and board rates annually, ensuring they reflect reasonable payments for necessary services. The new language allows for adjustments based on actual debt service for facilities, including those financed through the Connecticut Housing Finance Authority, and permits the inclusion of mortgage refinancing fees if they result in state reimbursement savings. The bill also establishes conditions for rate increases related to capital improvements for resident health and safety, while maintaining a framework for rate adjustments over several fiscal years.

Additionally, the bill outlines specific provisions for the fiscal years ending June 30, 2020, through June 30, 2024, including a cap on rates based on the previous fiscal year's rates unless approved capital improvements are made. Starting July 1, 2026, costs will be rebased every two years based on prior cost report data, with no inflationary increases during rebasing years. The legislation emphasizes uniform reporting of costs and aims to balance the financial sustainability of residential care facilities with the state's budgetary constraints. Overall, Raised Bill No. 5358 aims to create a more structured and equitable reimbursement system for these facilities while ensuring oversight and adherence to budgetary limits.