Connecticut News: DSS Advances Two Medicaid Plan Changes

The Connecticut Department of Social Services (DSS) has issued two proposed amendments to the state's Medicaid plan, addressing personal care attendant wages and the renewal of a long-standing home care program for older adults. ​

SPA 26-AA, posted June 30, was the first of the two. It implements reimbursement increases for the Community First Choice (CFC) benefit to comply with a collective bargaining agreement (CBA) between the state's PCA Workforce Council and the union representing self-directed personal care attendants (PCAs). The Connecticut General Assembly approved the agreement's extension through June 30, 2027, on April 30. Effective July 1, the amendment raises payment rates for applicable CFC services, including specified hourly wage increases required under the CBA. The comment period for SPA 26-AA closed July 14. 

The second amendment, SPA 27-0005, posted July 15, renews the state plan's home and community-based services (HCBS) option under Section 1915(i) of the Social Security Act, which supports the Connecticut Home Care Program for Elders (CHCPE). If approved, the renewal would take effect Feb. 1, 2027, for an additional five-year period and make technical and routine operational changes to the program. DSS is accepting written comments on this amendment through Aug. 14. 
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Both amendments will ultimately go to the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) for federal approval. DSS is accepting written comments on SPA 27-0005 through Aug. 14. Comments can be emailed to [email protected], or mailed to Department of Social Services, Medical Policy Unit, 55 Farmington Avenue, 9th Floor, Hartford, CT 06105, referencing SPA 27-0005. ​