An Act Expanding The Connecticut Home-care Program For The Elderly.
Impact
The proposed changes, effective July 1, 2019, include increasing the asset thresholds for eligibility to $40,000 for single individuals and $65,000 for married couples. This modification is intended to include a broader demographic of low-income elderly citizens who may need assistance but have previously been excluded due to stricter financial limitations. Additionally, the bill lowers the reimbursement cost contribution from 9% to 7% for those whose income exceeds the federal poverty level, further alleviating the financial burden on low-income seniors.
Summary
House Bill 7073 aims to expand the Connecticut Home-care Program for the Elderly, introducing significant changes to the eligibility criteria and cost-sharing requirements for state-funded home care services. The bill focuses on individuals aged sixty-five and older who are either at risk of being institutionalized or are inappropriately placed in institutional care. By raising the asset limits for eligibility, it allows more seniors to access home care services, enabling them to age in place rather than in nursing homes or assisted living facilities.
Contention
Despite its intentions, there are concerns regarding the sufficiency of funding for the expanded program. Critics argue that while the expansion in eligibility is a positive step, it may lead to an unsustainable increase in demand for services that the state may not be able to support financially. The potential discrepancy between the demand for home care services and the available state resources presents a challenge that legislators must address. Furthermore, there are calls for assurances that the quality of care will not be compromised due to increased eligibility.
Additional_points
Supporters of HB 7073 highlight the need for such legislation given the increasing aging population and the preference for home and community-based services over institutional care. They argue that allowing more seniors to remain in their homes not only offers a better quality of life but also can be more economical in the long run compared to costly nursing home care. Overall, the bill reflects a significant policy shift towards valuing and supporting aging in place.
An Act Concerning Compensation For Family Caregivers, Retroactive Eligibility For Medicaid And Treatment Of Assets Discovered After An Application For Medical Assistance.