CT HB05561

Medicaid state plan amendments required to adopt Medicare billing criteria for cognitive assessments for patients 64 and younger, increase reimbursement rates for safety net pediatric dental clinics to federally qualified health center levels, and add two Connecticut Dental Health Partnership representatives to the Medical Assistance Program Oversight Council

Home health services fee schedule must increase 10% annually from July 1, 2026 through June 30, 2031; homemaker-companion services rates increase 13% for FY2027-2028 and 10% annually for FY2029-2031; meals on wheels rates increase 4.9% effective July 1, 2026

Medicaid reimbursement rates must be equalized so optometrists receive the same payment as ophthalmologists for identical services, and rate increases required for doulas, psychologists, acupuncturists, emergency room physicians, and family planning providers within available appropriations

Gaylord Specialty Care Medicaid reimbursement increases by $206 per patient per day to achieve rate parity for long-term acute care hospitals; nonopioid pain drugs cannot have more restrictive coverage criteria than opioid drugs

Nonprofit health and human services providers may retain end-of-year contract savings for reinvestment in quality improvements and deferred maintenance; residential care facility rates must increase annually by consumer price index starting FY2027