Connecticut House Bill HB05499

Connecticut 2011 Regular Session

• Introduced: 1/20/11
• Refer: 1/20/11

Caption

An Act Concerning Financial Assistance To The State's Assisted Living Pilot Projects.

Impact

The enactment of HB 5499 is expected to expand access to assisted living for eligible individuals, thereby potentially reducing the burden on family caregivers and improving the quality of life for the elderly. By increasing the enrollment limit, the bill aims to provide vital services to more residents within the community who require assistance. This can have downstream effects on healthcare by possibly lowering hospitalization rates through improved oversight and care in the assisted living environment.

Summary

House Bill 5499, titled 'An Act Concerning Financial Assistance To The State's Assisted Living Pilot Projects,' aims to enhance the state's pilot programs for providing assisted living services. The bill explicitly allows for the enrollment of up to 150 individuals in these pilot programs, which are intended to support those who may not qualify for other forms of assisted living services. It establishes the framework for these services to be provided by licensed agencies and outlines the eligibility requirements for individuals, which include residing in a managed residential community and being eligible for Medicaid services.

Contention

Notably, while this bill aims to provide greater access to essential services, the raise in enrollment numbers might also raise concerns about funding and resource allocation within the state's Department of Social Services. Questions may arise regarding whether the increased cap on participants in these programs could stretch resources thin, potentially affecting overall service quality. Stakeholders, including service providers and advocacy groups, will likely need to monitor the implementation closely to ensure that the initiatives promised in the bill translate into effective and efficient care for the elderly.