Connecticut Senate Bill SB00287

Connecticut 2019 Regular Session

• Introduced: 1/23/19
• Refer: 1/23/19

Caption

An Act Allowing For The Deduction Of Conservator Expenses From A Medicaid Recipient's Applied Income.

Impact

If enacted, SB00287 would directly affect Title 17B of the general statutes, changing how applied income is calculated for Medicaid recipients, particularly those under conservatorship. By allowing deductions for conservator expenses, the bill seeks to provide greater financial stability to individuals who are already vulnerable due to their health conditions and the need for professional oversight. This amendment could lead to enhanced access to necessary care and support for Medicaid recipients by ensuring that they are not financially penalized for the costs associated with their conservatorship.

Summary

SB00287, titled 'An Act Allowing For The Deduction Of Conservator Expenses From A Medicaid Recipient's Applied Income,' proposes a significant amendment to the Medicaid state plan by allowing certain conservator expenses to be deducted from the income that a Medicaid recipient is required to apply towards their care. This change aims to relieve some financial burden from individuals who require conservatorship, ensuring that their full income is not solely allocated to nursing home or care facility costs. The intention behind this bill is to mitigate the applied income penalty currently faced by Medicaid recipients who incur conservator expenses.

Contention

While the bill has potential benefits for Medicaid recipients, it may also elicit concerns from fiscal conservatives who argue that increasing deductions could lead to higher state Medicaid costs, impacting the overall funding and sustainability of the program. Additionally, the legislative discussions surrounding the bill may bring to light differing views on government's role in supporting individuals requiring conservatorship and how best to balance state expenditures with the needs of this population.