OLR Bill Analysis

SB 453

AN ACT CONCERNING FINANCIAL ASSISTANCE TO THE STATE'S ASSISTED LIVING PILOT PROJECTS.

SUMMARY:

This bill increases, from 75 to 150, the total number of people who can participate in two assisted living pilot programs (one Medicaid, one purely state-funded) administered by the Department of Social Services (DSS). The programs help pay for assisted living services, but not room and board, for people living in private assisted living facilities who have used up their own resources. (Participants must use private funds to pay their room and board costs. ) To qualify, the people must meet the eligibility criteria for the Connecticut Homecare Program for Elders.

Currently, 547 people are on the program's waiting list. Of these, 110 are believed to be eligible. (DSS puts everyone's name on the waiting list because individuals who may not initially qualify due to excess assets could qualify over time as they continue to pay their living costs out-of-pocket. )

EFFECTIVE DATE: July 1, 2009

COMMITTEE ACTION

Select Committee on Aging

Joint Favorable Change of Reference

Human Services Committee

Joint Favorable