The proposed bill, Substitute House Bill No. 5370, aims to establish a five-year medical respite pilot program for homeless individuals in Connecticut, set to begin by October 1, 2026. The program will be overseen by the Commissioner of Social Services, in consultation with the Commissioner of Public Health, and will be implemented in four cities selected based on community needs and infrastructure. The planning group for the program will include representatives from local hospitals and nonprofit organizations serving the homeless. The program is designed to provide recuperative medical care for at least 150 individuals who do not require hospitalization, offering services such as 24-hour supervision, referrals to healthcare providers, and case management to help prevent homelessness.

The pilot program is scheduled to operate until July 1, 2031, and will require a report by October 1, 2027, detailing the number of individuals served, fiscal analyses of Medicaid cost savings, and recommendations for potential expansion. A subsequent report is due by October 1, 2031, to assess the overall impact of the program and whether it should be extended or made permanent. The bill also outlines the financial implications, estimating a cost of at least $305,700 to the state starting in FY 27, with additional costs if an 1115 Medicaid waiver is pursued. The program aims to reduce hospital admissions and healthcare costs for participants, potentially leading to savings for the state.