Connecticut Senate Bill SB00897

Connecticut 2015 Regular Session

• Introduced: 2/9/15
• Refer: 2/9/15

Caption

An Act Concerning Fair Rent For Residential Care Homes.

Impact

The bill has the potential to enhance the financial viability of residential care homes by providing a more stable and predictable income stream. By introducing a minimum reimbursement rate, it aims to help facilities maintain standards of care and improve their service delivery to residents. This is critical as many care homes operate on tight margins, and the increase in allowable fair rent is intended to prevent closures and ensure residents have access to necessary services.

Summary

SB00897, also known as 'An Act Concerning Fair Rent For Residential Care Homes,' proposes significant changes to the reimbursement structure for residential care homes in Connecticut. The bill seeks to establish a fairer methodology for calculating the allowable rent for these facilities, ensuring that those with low reimbursements will receive a minimum rate starting at three dollars and ten cents per day. This adjustment is particularly aimed at facilities that have historically received inadequate compensation compared to the statewide averages.

Contention

However, the bill has not been without its controversies. Critics argue that while the intent is to support residential care homes, the approach may not adequately address the disparities in operating costs across different regions of the state. Some lawmakers have raised concerns about the sustainability of the financial increases, suggesting that without a thorough evaluation of each home's unique circumstances, the policy could inadvertently favor certain facilities over others. The discussions highlight the tension between ensuring adequate care for residents and the fiscal realities of funding these increases within state budgets.