CT SB00425

Establishes a Basic Health Program by January 1, 2014, for individuals under 65 years old with income up to 200% of federal poverty level who are ineligible for Medicaid, in accordance with Section 1331 of the Affordable Care Act.

Program shall provide benefits matching Title XIX Medicaid unless federal subsidies are insufficient, in which case the Special Advisor to the Governor on Healthcare Reform shall develop an alternative plan maximizing benefits while minimizing cost-sharing.

Requires the Special Advisor to submit a plan to relevant joint standing committees by November 1, 2012, with a mandatory 30-day public hearing period and committee approval process before federal submission.

Creates a separate "Basic Health Program Account" within the General Fund to hold and expend moneys for operating the basic health plan under federal guidelines.

Modifies Medicaid eligibility to expand coverage for parents and caretaker relatives of children under 19 to 185% of federal poverty level, then reduces to 133% of federal poverty level effective January 1, 2014, with 50% of resulting savings redirected to increase provider reimbursement rates for basic health program enrollees through fiscal year 2015.