CT SB00405

Designates up to 10 municipalities as targeted health areas based on medically-underserved populations or high rates of chronic disease, effective October 1, 2012, with evaluations every 5 years starting October 1, 2017.

Establishes the Targeted Health Area program within the Department of Economic and Community Development to provide financial assistance to licensed physicians and physician offices providing primary care or identified specialty services in designated areas.

Creates three assistance components: (1) revolving loan fund offering $10,000-$100,000 loans at maximum 4% interest for up to 10 years; (2) physician hiring incentive providing $10,000-$250,000 loans with potential forgiveness for retaining hired physicians 12+ months; (3) matching grant component offering $10,000-$100,000 grants requiring physician office matching funds.

Requires recipients to remain in targeted health areas for 5 years after receiving assistance, with streamlined application processing targeting decisions within 30 days.

Mandates semi-annual reporting to relevant General Assembly committees beginning June 30, 2013, detailing applicant numbers, assistance types and amounts, and physician employment changes.