CT SB00913

Family caregivers in Department of Social Services programs shall receive payment rates equal to nonfamily professional caregivers providing the same services, to the extent permitted by federal law.

Commissioner of Social Services must use fair market value of services when determining if a Medicaid applicant violated federal asset transfer laws by transferring assets to a family caregiver under a legally enforceable compensation agreement.

Medicaid applicants determined eligible shall receive retroactive medical assistance payments for home care services up to three months before application date, unless they transferred assets for less than fair market value within the prior 60 months.

Medicaid eligibility income threshold set at 143 percent of the temporary family assistance program benefit amount, with Commissioner to seek federal waiver for families at this income level.

Institutionalized individuals shall not be deemed ineligible for Medicaid based solely on life insurance policy cash value under $10,000 if pursuing policy surrender, and applicants discovering assets after application may retain eligibility if reported within 10 days and spent down appropriately.