The proposed legislation, General Assembly Raised Bill No. 495, aims to establish a Long-Term Care Planning Committee tasked with addressing long-term care issues and developing a comprehensive long-term care plan. This plan will ensure that individuals with long-term care needs can choose services in the least restrictive settings and will integrate home and community-based services, supportive housing, and nursing facilities. The committee will be responsible for gathering data on current service usage, demographic information, costs, and future demand for long-term care services, as well as strategies for improving workforce retention and addressing federal funding challenges.

Key changes in the bill include the repeal of the existing Section 17b-337 and its replacement with new provisions that expand the committee's focus to include state financing models, community-based service options, and access to geriatric psychiatric services. The committee's composition will also be updated to include representatives from various state agencies and organizations, ensuring a broader perspective on long-term care needs. Additionally, the reporting requirements have been modified to reflect the committee's studies and recommendations, with an emphasis on supporting family caregivers and promoting consumer-directed care. The bill is set to take effect on July 1, 2026.

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