CT SB00317

Commissioner of Social Services shall seek a Section 1115 waiver under the Social Security Act to obtain federal funds supporting the Covered Connecticut program, with implementation upon Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services approval.

Within 30 days of the bill's effective date, the Commissioner shall amend the waiver to extend coverage to persons with income not exceeding 200% of the federal poverty level, in consultation with the Insurance Commissioner and Office of Health Strategy.

Commissioner shall develop a plan within 60 days for a second tier of Covered Connecticut providing state-assisted health care coverage for persons with income between 200% and 300% of the federal poverty level.

The second tier plan may include reduced benefits (consistent with the Affordable Care Act) and income-based copayments, and must be submitted to joint standing committees on appropriations, human services, and insurance for approval within a 30-day review period.

Commissioner may seek a Medicaid waiver to obtain federal financial participation for the second tier plan, with implementation dependent on committee approval or deemed approval/denial based on specified procedural timelines.