CT HB05040

Consolidates state general assistance cash payments to a flat $269/month for all eligible persons, eliminating the prior tiered system based on employability status ($269 for unemployable, $200 for transitional with shelter costs, $50 for transitional without shelter costs), effective July 1, 2026

Removes the exemption for antiretroviral drug classes from Medicaid preferred drug lists, subjecting them to the same prior authorization requirements as other nonpreferred drugs, effective July 1, 2026

Repeals the planned phase-out of income and asset limits for the Working Persons with Disabilities program that was scheduled to begin July 1, 2026, maintaining current limits of $85,000 annual income and $20,000/$30,000 in assets for unmarried/married individuals

Increases intermediate care facility rates for individuals with intellectual disabilities by 5.8% for FY2027 (up from 2%) and 6.3% for FY2028 and effective January 1, 2028 (up from 3%)

Authorizes the Commissioner of Social Services to conduct comparative effectiveness reviews of high-cost Medicaid prescription drugs exceeding $25,000 per consumer annually or $10 million aggregate cost, with results shareable for multistate drug pricing negotiations