CT SB00003

Establishes the Connecticut Affordable Health Care Trust Fund (effective July 1, 2026) with $200 million transferred from the Federal Cuts Response Fund, managed by the State Treasurer to implement the Connecticut Option affordable health program

Creates the Connecticut Option program to provide state health care premium subsidies for eligible enrollees, capping premiums at 2% of household income for those at or below 200% of federal poverty level and 8.5% for those at 400-600% of federal poverty level, running from July 1, 2026 through December 31, 2027

Directs the Commissioner of Social Services to seek federal approval for a Basic Health Program under ACA Section 1331 for residents ages under 65 with income between 133-200% of federal poverty level, funded by 95% of federal premium tax credits

Establishes a voluntary hospital financial assistance program providing free inpatient/outpatient care to uninsured patients at or below 200% of federal poverty level, with sliding scale subsidies for those up to 400% of federal poverty level, reimbursed through Medicaid disproportionate share hospital payments

Creates a safety net mitigation working group to monitor federal policy changes affecting Medicaid and SNAP, requires monthly reporting on work/community engagement requirements implementation, and shortens health insurance prior authorization determination timelines from 7 calendar days to 2 business days (effective January 1, 2027)