CT SB00288

Excludes all federal non-service-connected pension benefits (basic pension, Aid and Attendance, and Housebound benefits) for veterans and surviving spouses from income calculations when determining eligibility for Medicare savings, medical assistance, energy assistance, cash assistance, and fuel assistance programs.

Applies the pension benefit exclusion across multiple Department of Social Services programs including the Qualified Medicare Beneficiary program, Specified Low-Income Medicare Beneficiary program, and Qualifying Individual program.

Removes asset tests for eligibility under the Medicare Savings Program for qualifying individuals.

Takes effect upon passage for most provisions, with Section 4 (Medicare Savings Program income thresholds) taking effect July 1, 2018.

Authorizes the Commissioner of Social Services to seek federal Medicaid plan amendments or waivers if necessary to implement these exclusions.