Connecticut House Bill HB05619

Connecticut 2019 Regular Session

• Introduced: 1/18/19
• Refer: 1/18/19

Caption

An Act Concerning Medicaid Coverage Of In-home Counseling Provided By A Home Health Care Agency.

Impact

The implementation of HB 5619 would modify section 17b-242 of the general statutes to include provisions for Medicaid reimbursement for these services. This change aims to not only support the welfare of vulnerable populations but also to potentially alleviate some of the burdens faced by the healthcare system in handling behavioral health issues. By improving access to mental health services, it is expected that there will be a decrease in reliance on emergency services and a subsequent reduction in overall healthcare costs associated with untreated mental health conditions.

Summary

House Bill 5619 aims to enhance access to behavioral health services by permitting Medicaid reimbursement for in-home counseling provided by social workers employed by home health care agencies. This initiative is designed to address the obstacles faced by individuals who cannot easily travel to outpatient services due to various conditions, particularly those lacking transportation options. The bill recognizes that in-home counseling can be a critical resource for these individuals, improving their access to necessary mental health and behavioral health support.

Contention

While the bill may have broad support due to its focus on enhancing access to critical services, there are concerns regarding the funding and operational logistics involved in implementing Medicaid reimbursement for in-home services. Some stakeholders might argue about the adequacy of oversight and the quality of services provided by home health care agencies. Furthermore, some members of the legislature may question the potential impact on existing budget allocations for Medicaid and whether these changes could strain resources that are already limited.