Connecticut Senate Bill SB00496

Connecticut 2021 Regular Session

• Introduced: 1/27/21
• Refer: 1/27/21

Caption

An Act Eliminating Income And Asset Limits For The Med-connect Program For Persons With Disabilities.

Impact

The removal of income and asset limits under SB00496 would mark a transformative shift in how persons with disabilities engage with the Med-connect Program. By enabling working individuals to qualify for medical assistance regardless of their income level, the bill seeks to address the often prohibitive nature of existing eligibility criteria. This is particularly impactful for individuals who may be caught in a 'benefits cliff', where earning a small increase in income leads to a loss of essential healthcare coverage. The bill is designed to promote financial independence for persons with disabilities without the fear of losing crucial medical support.

Summary

SB00496 proposes significant changes to the Med-connect Program for Persons With Disabilities by eliminating income and asset limits for working individuals. The bill mandates that the Commissioner of Social Services amend the Medicaid state plan to facilitate these changes, aiming to make medical assistance more accessible for those individuals who may be working but have limited financial resources. The goal of this legislation is to promote greater healthcare access for persons with disabilities who are actively participating in the workforce, thus reducing barriers to health services that many encounter due to financial constraints.

Contention

While the bill is expected to garner support from advocates for disability rights and healthcare access, it may face opposition concerning fiscal implications. Critics could raise concerns about the potential increase in the Medicaid budget and the financial responsibility placed on state resources. Discussions will likely revolve around balancing the needs of persons with disabilities and the sustainability of the funding necessary to support these changes. Therefore, the debate may involve questions of equity, state budget allocations, and the effectiveness of this new policy change in improving health outcomes for working individuals with disabilities.