Updates on 5 Pressing Home Care Policies and Bills in Connecticut

​With so much activity related to home care policy happening in Hartford, Connecticut Chapter Lobbyist Matthew Hallisey has provided the following updates:  

• Ban of use of term ‘care’ by HCAs. In January, the Department of Consumer Protection issued guidance that bans use of the word ‘care’ by home care agencies. In a meeting last month with the Department, state officials told Chapter leaders that they don’t plan to withdraw the guidance unless the legislature directs the Department to do so. (See amendment in next bullet)

 

• Senate Bill 1025, implementing recommendations of the home care task force. Senate Bill 1025 requires the state to develop a plan to transfer home care agency registration and oversight responsibilities from the Department of Consumer Protection to the Department of Public Health. HCAOA Connecticut supports the bill and an amendment filed (but not yet adopted) that allows HCAs to include in their business names and advertising the term 'care'. The bill is pending in the Senate. Connecticut Members: please CLICK HERE to send a message to your legislators!

 

• House Bill 6767 concerning notices by agencies. The Department of Consumer Protection proposed legislation that would have been onerous and impractical for home care agencies (HCAs). House Bill 6767 would require HCAs to provide the caregiver's name to the client in writing prior to entering the client's home, written notice 60 days prior to a change in rates, background checks for new owners, and written notice to DCP and clients ten days prior to ceasing operations. In its testimony to the General Law Committee, HCAOA Connecticut raised significant concerns with the bill. After meeting with several key lawmakers and Department officials and grass roots advocacy by members, an amendment addressing several of the Chapter’s concerns was introduced. HB 6767 has been approved by committee and is pending in the House.

 

• Tax relief for home care. House Bill 6926 would establish a personal income tax deduction of up to $60,000 for the cost of home care expenses and House Bill 5511 would provide a similar deduction for veterans. Both bills have been approved by committee and are pending in the legislature. Both bill may be challenging to pass. House Bill 6926 has a relatively significant revenue loss reported in its fiscal note.

 

• Medicaid reimbursement. An increase in Medicaid reimbursement for home care is unlikely this session, despite vigorous support from the Chapter and other organizations. The Governor’s proposed budget has strong fiscal constraints and limits excess funding for important programs. The Appropriations Committee budget doesn’t differ significantly from the Governor’s and neither one includes an increase.

 
Please note: the status of legislation can change rapidly with little notice in the remaining weeks of the legislative session, which ends on Wednesday, June 7.
 
To learn more about these and other issues affecting the home care industry and hear from lawmakers and public officials, attend the Connecticut Chapter Conference on Wednesday, June 14. Click here for additional information about the event to register.