OFFICE OF FISCAL ANALYSIS

Legislative Office Building, Room 5200

Hartford, CT 06106 ↓ (860) 240-0200

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sHB-6486

AN ACT CONCERNING HOME HEALTH CARE SERVICES AND THE ESTABLISHMENT OF A PERSONAL CARE ATTENDANT WORKFORCE COUNCIL.

OFA Fiscal Note

State Impact:

Note: GF=General Fund

Municipal Impact: None

Explanation

The bill enables Personal Care Attendants (PCAs) working in state-funded programs to collectively bargain, which could result in an impact to the state.

Although the total number of eligible PCAs is unkown, over 20,000 were active in the directory under the Department of Social Services in the Acquired Brain Injury (ABI), PCA waiver, and Connecticut Home Care Program for the Elderly (CHCPE) populations. The average pay rate for this population is unknown; however, for purposes of illustration the average rate under the CHCPE in FY 10 was approximately $80 per day.

The Department of Developmental Services consumers who self-direct under the Home and Community Based Services waivers employ approximately 2,430 PCAs. For FY 11 the estimated cost of PCA services is $30. 1 million. The following are the currently allowed hourly pay ranges for each type of service: Adult Companion $8. 25 - $12. 31, Personal Support $10. 00 - $17. 00, Individualized Home Supports $17. 00 - $22. 35, Respite $8. 25 - $19. 00.

To the extent that PCAs unionize and collectively bargain and such agreement is approved by the legislature, the state could realize a cost or savings. ¹ PCAs are not eligible for benefits available to a state employee.

The Out Years

The annualized ongoing fiscal impact identified above would continue into the future subject to inflation.