Connecticut Senate Bill SB00291

Connecticut 2015 Regular Session

• Introduced: 1/21/15
• Refer: 1/21/15

Caption

An Act Concerning Presumptive Medicaid Eligibility For Home Care.

Impact

If passed, SB00291 would amend section 17b-342 of the general statutes, thereby altering the landscape of home care services in the state. The bill is particularly significant for the aging population and individuals with disabilities who require home care but face bureaucratic challenges in securing Medicaid benefits. By providing presumptive eligibility, the legislation is expected to lessen administrative burdens and facilitate quicker access to essential healthcare services, which could lead to improved outcomes for vulnerable populations.

Summary

SB00291 aims to establish presumptive Medicaid eligibility for home care applicants who require skilled nursing levels of care. The intention behind this bill is to improve access to home care services for individuals whose medical needs are significant enough to warrant such support. By creating a mechanism for presumptive eligibility, the bill seeks to streamline the process for obtaining necessary benefits and ensure that those in need can receive timely care in their homes, rather than being placed in institutional facilities.

Contention

While proponents of SB00291 argue that it addresses critical gaps in the home care system by making Medicaid benefits more accessible, opponents may raise concerns regarding the fiscal implications of expanding Medicaid eligibility and the potential strain on state resources. Discussions around this bill highlight the tension between ensuring healthcare access for those in need and managing the financial responsibilities of state-funded programs. There may also be debates about the standards used to determine eligibility under the presumptive model and the potential for abuse of the system, which could lead to calls for stringent regulations or oversight.