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OLR Bill Analysis
sHB 6765
AN ACT CONCERNING ASSISTANCE WITH DENTAL SERVICES
FOR CERTAIN VETERANS.
SUMMARY
This bill requires that the veterans affairs commissioner on and after
January 1, 2026, implement and administer a program, within available
appropriations, to give assistance vouchers to eligible veterans to cover
certain costs associated with receiving dental services at (1) any
federally-qualified health center (FQHC) in the state, (2) the University
of Connecticut School of Dental Medicine, and (3) other public
institutions of higher education capable of providing these services.
The bill also requires the commissioner to adopt regulations to
implement this program, including on:
1. eligibility criteria;
2. procedures and necessary forms, for program applications;
3. the types of dental services to be covered under the program; and
4. the costs to be covered for dental services by the program.
EFFECTIVE DATE: October 1, 2025
BACKGROUND
Definition of a Veteran
A “veteran” is anyone honorably discharged or released under
honorable conditions, or released with an other than honorable (OTH)
discharge based on a qualifying condition, from active service in the
armed forces (the U.S. Army, Navy, Marine Corps, Coast Guard, Space
Force, Air Force, and any of their reserve components, including the
Connecticut National Guard when under federal service) (CGS § 27- 2025HB-06765-R000260-BA.DOCX
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103).
A qualifying condition is a (1) post-traumatic stress disorder or
traumatic brain injury diagnosis by a licensed health care professional
at a U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs facility; (2) military sexual
trauma disclosed to such a health care professional; or (3) determination
by the Qualifying Review Board that sexual orientation, gender identity,
or gender expression was more likely than not the primary reason for
the OTH discharge (CGS § 27-103).
Definition of a Federally-Qualified Health Center
FQHCs are community-based clinics that receive federal funding and
meet specific federal criteria, including those governing the services
they provide. FQHCs provide their services to all people regardless of
ability to pay and charge for services on a sliding-fee scale basis.
COMMITTEE ACTION
Veterans’ and Military Affairs Committee
Joint Favorable Substitute
Yea 20 Nay 0 (03/11/2025)