CT SB00803

Establishes a presumptive Medicaid eligibility system effective October 1, 2017, allowing the state to fund Connecticut home-care services for up to 90 days for applicants determined likely to be financially eligible for Medicaid who require skilled nursing care.

Requires applicants to complete Medicaid applications within 10 days of preliminary functional screening, with the Department of Social Services making final eligibility determinations within 45 days (or 90 days for applicants with disabilities).

Expands covered services under the home-care program to include occupational therapy, homemaker services, companion services, meals on wheels, adult day care, transportation, mental health counseling, care management, elderly foster care, minor home modifications, and assisted living services.

Adds reporting requirements to the annual legislative report, including data on persons determined presumptively eligible for Medicaid, cost savings from averted institutional care, and numbers of presumptively eligible persons later found ineligible for Medicaid.

Updates references to regulations adoption procedures to clarify that the Commissioner of Social Services shall adopt regulations defining access agencies, implementing the presumptive eligibility system, and establishing uniform statewide standards and assessment tools for the program.