Substitute House Bill No. 5480 mandates the Department of Social Services (DSS) to amend the Medicaid state plan to incorporate peer support services into care teams funded under the Connecticut Medical Assistance Program. These peer support services are defined as recovery-focused behavioral health services that assist individuals in managing their recovery with the help of certified peer support specialists, who have personal experience with mental illness or substance use disorders. The bill also stipulates that Medicaid will reimburse these specialists for their services.

Additionally, the bill requires the DSS commissioner to submit a report by August 1, 2027, to the Human Services and Public Health committees detailing the number of peer support specialists receiving Medicaid reimbursement, the number of Medicaid enrollees served by these specialists, and any outcome data related to the treatment provided. The act is set to take effect on July 1, 2026, and aims to enhance the support available for individuals in recovery through the integration of peer support services into the Medicaid framework.