Connecticut Senate Bill SB00307

Connecticut 2021 Regular Session

• Introduced: 1/25/21
• Refer: 1/25/21

Caption

An Act Requiring Fairness For Families In Medicaid Eligibility And Reimbursement Determinations.

Impact

Furthermore, the bill addresses the disparities in eligibility and reimbursement formulas for home and institutional care services. This change seeks to ensure that families providing care in a home environment receive equitable treatment in terms of reimbursement compared to institutionalized care. One of the notable aspects of this bill is its acknowledgment of situations where Medicaid applicants may not have been aware of certain assets during their application process, thus proposing that these assets should not be considered available until they are officially discovered.

Summary

SB00307, known as the Fairness for Families Act, aims to enhance fairness in Medicaid eligibility and reimbursement determinations for family caregivers. The bill proposes several amendments to title 17b of the general statutes, significantly impacting how family caregivers are compensated compared to private providers. The key proposal includes equalizing payment rates for family caregivers to match those of private care providers, thereby recognizing the essential role that families play in caregiving.

Contention

While the bill aims to enhance the financial stability of family caregivers, it may also lead to debates over the funding implications for the state’s Medicaid program. Critics might raise concerns about how these changes could affect the budgetary constraints of the Medicaid program, and whether such adjustments would necessitate additional funding or redirecting resources from other essential services. Proponents, however, argue that providing fair compensation for family caregivers is a critical step in promoting quality care and supporting families who take on these important roles.