CT SB00271

Establishes a one-year pilot program effective July 1, 2015, to fund home-care services for up to 50 elderly applicants who need skilled nursing care and are presumptively eligible for Medicaid in counties with above-average nursing home institutionalization rates.

Requires the Department of Social Services to develop a screening tool, authorize access agencies to initiate home care services within 5 days of screening, and make presumptive Medicaid eligibility determinations within 5 days.

Provides state-funded home care services for up to 90 days while applicants complete full Medicaid applications, with final Medicaid eligibility determinations due within 90 days of application completion.

Permits retroactive application of final Medicaid eligibility determinations to the extent allowed under federal regulations (42 CFR 435.915).

Requires the Commissioner of Social Services to submit a report by July 1, 2016, detailing applicant outcomes, state costs, institutionalization savings, and recommendations for statewide program expansion.