Researcher: JP Page 1 4/19/21
OLR Bill Analysis
SB 980
AN ACT ELIMINATING INCOME AND ASSET LIMITS FOR THE
MED-CONNECT PROGRAM FOR PERSONS WITH DISABILITIES.
SUMMARY
This bill eliminates the income and asset limits for Medicaid for
Employees with Disabilities (MED-Connect). By law, unchanged by
the bill, enrollees must (1) be engaged in substantial and reasonable
work effort as determined by the Department of Social Services (DSS)
and as permitted by federal law and (2) pay a premium based on their
countable income over 200% of the federal poverty level (FPL). (In
2021, 200% of the FPL is $25,760 for an individual and $34,840 for a
family of two.)
Additionally, the bill requires DSS to post required notices of its
intention to adopt regulations on the eRegulations system rather than
in the Connecticut Law Journal. It also makes technical changes.
EFFECTIVE DATE: July 1, 2021
BACKGROUND
Medicaid for Employees with Disabilities
MED-Connect provides full Medicaid coverage to employed
individuals who have a medically certified disability or blindness and
are working for taxable wages. (Self-employed individuals must pay
self-employment taxes to the Internal Revenue Service in order to
qualify.) The program’s current income limit is $75,000 per year, and
the current asset limit is $10,000 for an individual and $15,000 for a
married couple.
COMMITTEE ACTION
Human Services Committee
Joint Favorable 2021SB-00980-R000517-BA.DOCX
Researcher: JP Page 2 4/19/21
Yea 17 Nay 2 (03/31/2021)