HB 6155 Summary

• Reduces the individual contribution requirement in Connecticut's state-funded home-care program for elderly persons from six percent to four percent of the cost of care, effective July 1, 2011.

• Applies the four percent contribution rate to persons at or below 200 percent of the federal poverty level who are ineligible for Medicaid, as well as to persons exceeding 200 percent of the federal poverty level.

• Exempts persons residing in affordable housing under the assisted living demonstration project from contributing to care costs if their income is at or below 200 percent of the federal poverty level.

• Maintains existing eligibility requirements: applicants must be 65 years or older, at risk of inappropriate institutionalization, have income below specified limits, and have assets not exceeding 150-200 percent of the minimum community spouse protected amount.

• Caps the annualized cost of services at 50 percent of the weighted average nursing home cost in the state, with limited exceptions for hardship cases not to exceed the full nursing home cost.