The proposed legislation, General Assembly Raised Bill No. 499, aims to increase Medicaid provider reimbursement rates in Connecticut. Effective July 1, 2026, the bill mandates the Commissioner of Social Services to implement phased increases to Medicaid rates based on a Medicaid rate study. By June 30, 2029, all Medicaid rates must reach at least seventy-five percent of the most recent Medicare rates for comparable health services or, for services without corresponding Medicare rates, a percentage of the five-state rate benchmark. Additionally, starting June 30, 2029, the commissioner is required to adjust these rates annually to maintain the same standards.

Furthermore, the bill establishes the Council on Medical Assistance Program Oversight, which will conduct ongoing reviews of Medicaid provider reimbursement rates to ensure they are sufficient to maintain a robust provider network for Medicaid members. The council is tasked with submitting annual reports, beginning January 15, 2027, to the General Assembly's relevant committees, detailing recommendations for necessary appropriations to ensure adequate compensation for Medicaid providers. The bill introduces new sections to the law without any deletions from existing statutes.