CONNECTICUT
The Connecticut legislature authorized an assisted living pilot program in 2002 and called on the state to develop an Internet Web site of long-term care information for the benefit of consumers. Long-term care planning groups developed recommendations on housing and work force issues and information and assistance for people with disabilities who are making the transition into the community from nursing homes.
2002 Legislation
The 2002 legislature directed the commissioner of social services to establish and operate a pilot program to allow up to 50 people to receive assisted living services, provided by an assisted living services agency licensed by the Department of Public Health. The legislature also called for the creation of a single consumer-oriented Internet Web site to provide comprehensive information about the long-term care options available in Connecticut. The Web site will include direct links and referral information, including private and nonprofit organizations that offer advice, counseling and legal services.
Planning and Reports
The Connecticut Long-Term Care Planning Committee, which is composed of 10 state agencies and key legislative committee members, is charged with developing a long-term care plan every three years. The committee and the Department of Social Services created a Community Options Task Force in 2000 (composed of advocates, other consumer representatives and providers) who met for two years. In March 2002, the three groups released Choices are for Everyone: Continuing the Movement Toward Community-Based Supports in Connecticut - A Plan in Progress.
The Long-Term Care Committee is overseeing the implementation of action steps in the Choices Are for Everyone plan. The action steps include the following.
- Educating people with disabilities who will make the transition into the community about peer support and support networks.
- Educating architects, housing authorities, builders and local boards about accessibility; reviewing safety codes to ensure safety for individuals with functional limitations; and exploring tax incentives to encourage new homes or renovations to meet minimum accessibility standards.
- Increasing the paraprofessional work force and developing training programs.
- Developing community connections by distributing material to the general public, current residents of institutions and providers of support services; and by establishing networks for people with disabilities who are making the transition into the community.
Transfer of Assets
Following up on legislation enacted in 2001, the Department of Social Services proposed tightening the requirements governing transfer of assets in connection with eligibility for Medicaid coverage for long-term care. Previously, individuals who transferred assets within a 36-month "look-back period" were penalized by the disallowance of Medicaid payment for a prescribed penalty period, which began on the first of the month in which the transfer occurred. The department proposal, which must have approval from the federal government, would begin the penalty period when a person applies for Medicaid, rather than when he or she actually transferred the money. State officials said that in a random sample of 300 Medicaid applicants for nursing home care, they found that 36 percent of the applicants had improperly transferred assets.
The proposal ran into considerable opposition, however, from the state's congressional delegation, and some state legislators who introduced legislation to block implementation if the plan received federal approval. All members of the congressional delegation urged the Bush administration to deny the application. Opponents contend that the change would penalize people who, in good faith, help out family members.
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