The proposed legislation, General Assembly Raised Bill No. 500, aims to establish a state-funded caregiver program to support parents of children with autism spectrum disorder who are enrolled in a Medicaid home and community-based waiver program. The bill amends subsection (d) of section 17a-215c of the general statutes, which is set to take effect on July 1, 2026. The amendment allows the Commissioner of Social Services to seek federal approval for a Medicaid-financed program that provides community-based services and housing assistance to adults with autism spectrum disorder, while also introducing a new caregiver respite program.

The new legal language inserted into the bill specifies that, within available appropriations, the commissioner shall establish a caregiver respite program to assist parents by providing state-financed care for their children enrolled in the Medicaid waiver program. This addition aims to alleviate the burden on parents and enhance support for families with children diagnosed with autism spectrum disorder. The bill does not include any deletions from current law, as the proposed changes are entirely new provisions.