The proposed legislation, General Assembly Raised Bill No. 5370, aims to establish a five-year medical respite pilot program for homeless individuals in Connecticut. The program, which is set to begin by October 1, 2026, will be overseen by the Commissioner of Social Services in collaboration with the Commissioner of Public Health. Four cities will be selected for implementation based on community needs and interest, and a planning group will be formed to design the program. This group will include representatives from local hospitals and nonprofit organizations that serve the homeless. The program is intended to provide care for at least 150 individuals who require recuperative medical care without needing hospitalization, and it will operate until July 1, 2031.

The medical respite pilot program will include various services such as 24-hour supervision, referrals to healthcare providers, and case management to help participants avoid homelessness. Reports on the program's progress and fiscal impact will be submitted to relevant legislative committees by October 1, 2027, and again by October 1, 2031. These reports will assess the number of individuals served, potential Medicaid cost savings, and recommendations for the program's future, including whether it should be expanded or made permanent. The bill introduces new legal language to establish this program while deleting any previous references that may conflict with its implementation.