CHAPTER 319v*
MEDICAL ASSISTANCE

      Sec. 17b-220. (Formerly Sec. 17-292g). Reimbursement of medical providers. Section 17b-220 is repealed, effective March 1, 2004.

      (P.A. 86-415, S. 4, 10; May Sp. Sess. P.A. 92-16, S. 16, 89; P.A. 93-262, S. 1, 87; 93-418, S. 12, 41; P.A. 95-351, S. 12, 30; June 18 Sp. Sess. P.A. 97-2, S. 67, 165; June 30 Sp. Sess. P.A. 03-3, S. 97.)

      Sec. 17b-221. (Formerly Sec. 17-292h). Regulations. Reimbursement of hospitals. Section 17b-221 is repealed, effective October 1, 2004.

      (P.A. 86-415, S. 9, 10; P.A. 93-262, S. 1, 87; P.A. 04-76, S. 59.)

      Sec. 17b-221a. Revenue from Riverview Hospital to be used to pay Medicaid claims. For the fiscal year ending June 30, 2002, and each fiscal year thereafter, revenue received by the Department of Administrative Services-Financial Services Center/Collections from Medicaid managed care plans for services performed at Riverview Hospital shall be deposited in the General Fund and credited to a nonlapsing account in the Department of Social Services and shall be available for expenditure by the Department of Social Services for the payment of Medicaid claims.

      (June Sp. Sess. P.A. 01-6, S. 12, 85.)

      History: June Sp. Sess. P.A. 01-6 effective July 1, 2001.

      Sec. 17b-221b. Federal matching funds for special-education-related services. Portion to be used for Medicaid claims. For the fiscal year ending June 30, 2002, and each fiscal year thereafter, all federal matching funds received by the Department of Social Services for special-education-related services rendered in schools pursuant to section 10-76d shall be deposited in the General Fund and credited to a nonlapsing account in the Department of Social Services. Sixty per cent of such funds shall be expended by the Department of Social Services for payment of grants to towns pursuant to subdivision (3) of subsection (a) of section 10-76d and the remaining funds shall be available for expenditure by the Department of Social Services for the payment of Medicaid claims.

      (June Sp. Sess. P.A. 01-6, S. 13, 85.)

      History: June Sp. Sess. P.A. 01-6 effective July 1, 2001.

      Sec. 17b-222. (Formerly Sec. 17-294). "Humane institution" defined. Daily report. As used in this section and sections 17b-223, 17b-228, 17b-229 and 17b-745, "state humane institution" or "humane institution" means state mental hospitals, community mental health centers, treatment facilities for children and adolescents, or any other facility or program administered by the Departments of Mental Health and Addiction Services, Mental Retardation, or Children and Families. The person in charge of each state humane institution shall furnish the Commissioner of Administrative Services with a daily report of changes in the patient roster and the date of formal commitment of each patient.

      (1955, S. 1488d; 1957, P.A. 586, S. 7; 1959, P.A. 201; 1967, P.A. 314, S. 16; 839, S. 1; 1971, P.A. 530, S. 1; P.A. 75-603, S. 12, 15; P.A. 77-614, S. 70, 610; P.A. 87-421, S. 6, 13; P.A. 93-91, S. 1, 2; 93-381, S. 9, 39; P.A. 95-257, S. 30, 58; P.A. 04-257, S. 32.)

      History: 1959 act required that welfare commissioner be supplied with daily report of changes in patient roster and dates of formal commitment of patients; 1967 acts deleted "tuberculosis facilities in chronic disease hospitals" from the definition and provided that the commissioner of finance and control rather than the welfare commissioner receive the reports of patient rosters; 1971 act included community mental health centers, treatment facilities for children and adolescents and other facilities and programs administered by mental health department in definition of "humane institution"; P.A. 75-603 included reference to programs and facilities administered by children and youth services department; P.A. 77-614 replaced commissioner of finance and control with commissioner of administrative services; P.A. 87-421 included facilities or programs administered by the Connecticut state alcohol and drug abuse commission and by the department of mental retardation in the definition of state human institution and excluded state training schools for mentally retarded persons from the definition; P.A. 93-91 substituted commissioner and department of children and families for commissioner and department of children and youth services, effective July 1, 1993; P.A. 93-381 replaced Connecticut alcohol and drug abuse commission with department of public health and addiction services, effective July 1, 1993; Sec. 17-294 transferred to Sec. 17b-222 in 1995; P.A. 95-257 replaced Department of Mental Health with Department of Mental Health and Addiction Services and deleted reference to the Department of Public Health and Addiction Services, effective July 1, 1995; P.A. 04-257 made technical changes, effective June 14, 2004.

      Annotations to former section 17-294:

      Cited. 183 C. 330.

      Cited. 30 CS 118.

      Sec. 17b-223. (Formerly Sec. 17-295). Support in humane institutions. (a) The Comptroller shall at least annually determine the cost per capita per diem for the support of persons in state humane institutions and furnish such itemized per capita cost to the Commissioner of Administrative Services. Such cost for the care of persons in facilities operated by the Department of Mental Health and Addiction Services shall be determined by the Comptroller, in consultation with the Commissioner of Mental Health and Addiction Services, on a facility-wide, ward-wide or unit-wide basis. The provisions of this section shall not apply to cases eligible for medical assistance or public assistance under Title XVIII or Title XIX of the Social Security Act, and such cases shall be administered as medical or public assistance cases and shall be subject to federal and state law, rules and procedures governing the same.

      (b) The maximum rate to be charged for the support of each patient for the ensuing year shall be the per capita cost. The commissioner shall, upon the admission of each patient to a humane institution, and may, upon any subsequent readmission of such patient, cause an investigation to be made of the financial circumstances of each liable person and the estate of each patient and, if any such person or estate is found unable to pay the per capita cost, shall bill such liable person or estate from the date of admission at a rate which he finds such person or estate able to pay, provided the total billing to all persons responsible for the support of any patient, including the patient or patient's estate, shall be based on actual days of attendance at the facility involved and shall not exceed the per capita cost. A complete disclosure for the amount and terms of such monthly billing and continuing liability for costs associated with services provided by the state shall be provided to such liable person or patient prior to admission or if the immediate need or admission precludes such notification, at the earliest possibility thereafter.

      (c) Each patient, the husband or wife of such patient and the father and mother of a patient under the age of eighteen years each shall be legally liable from the date of admission for the support of such patient in such institution in accordance with his ability to pay; except that the maximum liability of legally liable relatives as such for a patient in a state humane institution shall be determined by the commissioner in accordance with section 4a-12 and subsection (b) of this section. The guardian, conservator and payee of Social Security or other benefits on behalf of any such patient shall be similarly responsible for the support of such patient, but shall be liable in such capacity only in accordance with the amount of the patient's estate or the benefits received, or both, as the case may be. Said commissioner may bill and accept payment from any other person or agency willing to assume any portion of the cost of support of a person in a state humane institution at such rate as such person or agency is willing to pay. The relatives of any such patient who is a veteran shall not be liable as such for any part of the cost of his care in such institution.

      (d) Wherever a rate of billing has been established as the result of a fraud of the patient or a liable person, or where assets of the patient or relative have been concealed so as not to be available to civil process, such patient or liable person, as the case may be, shall be liable for the difference between the amounts actually billed and paid and the amount which would have been billed against such patient or liable person except for such fraud or concealment, which difference may be recovered in a civil action in the same manner as is provided in section 17b-228, together with interest at the rate of twelve per cent from the date of such billing, and no statute of limitations shall apply to such right of action.

      (1949 Rev., S. 2661; 1953, 1955, S. 1489d; November, 1955, S. N169; 1959, P.A. 470; 671, S. 1; 1961, P.A. 590; February, 1965, P.A. 539, S. 1; 594, S. 1, 2; 1967, P.A. 314, S. 16; 364, S. 1, 3; 746, S. 3; 759, S. 2, 3; 825; 1969, P.A. 730, S. 12; 1972, P.A. 127, S. 27; P.A. 74-243, S. 1-3; P.A. 76-435, S. 19, 82; P.A. 77-614, S. 70, 610; P.A. 78-302, S. 9, 11; 78-343, S. 1, 2; P.A. 79-376, S. 20; 79-443, S. 1, 2; P.A. 80-389, S. 1, 3; P.A. 84-246, S. 1, 2; P.A. 86-169; P.A. 87-421, S. 7, 13; P.A. 88-285, S. 30, 35; P.A. 95-257, S. 11, 58; P.A. 96-135; P.A. 97-312, S. 3.)

      History: 1959 acts added, in Subsec. (b), proviso re maximum rate and exception for patients eligible for medical and hospital benefits; added, in Subsec. (c), provision re cessation of liability and limitation on responsibility of guardian, conservator and payee of social security and requirement for investigating each patient's estate; added Subsec. (d); limited application of Subsec. (e) to liable relatives or the patient and substituted, in Subsec. (f), "liable persons" for "legally liable relatives"; 1961 act placed limitation, in Subsec. (b), on maximum rate, provided for payment by more than one relative in the same period in Subsec. (c) and eliminated, in Subsec. (d), deferral of finding re financial responsibility pending commission's finding, referring determination directly to commissioner; 1965 acts added a Subsec. (h) establishing maximum rates predicated on taxable income where patient was mentally retarded, and allowed exclusion of four hundred dollars from available assets of mentally retarded patients returning from outside training in determination of ability to pay in Subsec. (e); 1967 acts removed items of cost provisions from Subsec. (a) and added sentence re social security act, changed basis of rate in Subsec. (b) to per capita cost, specified the maximum rate "per week" and deleted exceptions, changed relatives liable in Subsec. (c) to parents of children under twenty-one and children of parents under sixty-five, repealed Subsec. (h), substituting Sec. 17-295a, and substituted commissioner of finance and control for welfare commissioner; 1969 act deleted from exception regarding liability statement that children be only equally liable and that liability waived if child's gross income is $15,000 or less in Subsec. (c); 1972 act changed reference to patients under twenty-one to refer to those under eighteen in Subsec. (c), reflecting changed age of majority; P.A. 74-243 made maximum rate charged relatives applicable after first one hundred twenty days of treatment and added provisions re investigation and adjustments in charge if liable person or estate cannot bear the charge in Subsec. (b), deleted from liability in Subsec. (c) children of patient under sixty-five and deleted provisions re investigation and adjustment to charges now in Subsec. (b) and rephrased use of measurement standard in Subsec. (e) for clarification; P.A. 76-435 deleted Subsec. (g) which had allowed commissioner to recover balance of charges billed despite receipt of lesser rate; P.A. 77-614 replaced commissioner of finance and control with commissioner of administrative services; P.A. 78-302 required annual determinations of cost under Subsec. (a); P.A. 78-343 extended exception to allow charge of maximum rate for patients committed to High Meadows from date of admission or commitment under Subsec. (b); P.A. 79-376 substituted "workers' compensation" for "workmen's compensation" in Subsec. (e); P.A. 79-443 made cost determination on per diem rather than per week basis and added provision re determination of costs in facilities operated by mental health department in Subsec. (a); P.A. 80-389 increased maximum rate for legally liable relatives from $26.95 to $53.90 per week and increased interest rate in Subsec. (f) from six to twelve per cent; P.A. 84-246 eliminated mandatory investigation upon readmission of patients, deleted requirement that investigation be made prior to rendering of bill and provided a monetary limit on liability of legally liable relatives; P.A. 86-169 deleted provision setting maximum rate charged to legally liable relatives of patients at High Meadows; P.A. 87-421 (1) amended Subsec. (b) to delete a maximum dollar amount per week which could be charged liable relatives after the first one hundred twenty days of care, (2) amended Subsec. (c) to remove a cap on liability based on sixteen years of care and to substitute a cap determined in accordance with Sec. 4-68a and Subsec. (b) of this section and (3) removed Subsec. (e) on the considerations for determining ability of liable relatives to contribute to the cost of care and relettered the remaining subsection; P.A. 88-285 amended Subsec. (d) to replace veterans' home and hospital commission with commissioner of veterans' affairs; Sec. 17-295 transferred to Sec. 17b-223 in 1995; P.A. 95-257 replaced Commissioner and Department of Mental Health with Commissioner and Department of Mental Health and Addiction Services, effective July 1, 1995; P.A. 96-135 repealed provisions of former Subsec. (d) re review by Commissioner of Veterans Affairs of determination of financial responsibility for certain veterans admitted to state humane institutions, consolidated remaining provisions of former Subsec. (d) into Subsec. (c) and relettered former Subsec. (e) as Subsec. (d); P.A. 97-312 amended Subsec. (b) by requiring full disclosure of monthly billing and continuing liability to the liable person, prior to admission or at the earliest possibility thereafter.

      See Sec. 17a-278 re recall of residents placed in private boarding home for examination.

      See Sec. 17a-461 re charges for care in Connecticut Mental Health Center.

      See Sec. 19a-257 re support of patients with chronic illness excluding tuberculosis.

      Annotations to former statute:

      Cited. 139 C. 472. Cited. 142 C. 329.

      Cited. 14 CS 33.

      Social security payments made to parent as "representative payee" for dependent child are property of child and may be billed against for child's hospitalization. 4 Conn. Cir. Ct. 63, 66. Estate of veteran with service- connected disability liable for maximum rate under subsection (b). Id., 75. Commissioner may make a retroactive change in patient's billing upon discovery of new circumstances. Id., 81. Burden of proof commissioner acted illegally or so arbitrarily and unreasonably as to abuse his discretion is on plaintiff. Id., 138. Cited. Id., 402. During confinement of social security recipient for mental illness under order of criminal court, defendant, representative payee of recipient, must apply such funds for support of beneficiary at institution of commitment. 5 Conn. Cir. Ct. 542.

      Annotations to former section 17-295:

      Cited. 152 C. 55. Cited. 183 C. 330. Cited. 192 C. 520. State not precluded by federal supremacy clause from using legal process to compel payment of institutional support charges. 205 C. 104.

      Cited. 30 CS 118. Cited. 34 CS 518.

      Sec. 17b-224. (Formerly Sec. 17-295b). Liability of patient for per capita cost of care. A patient who is receiving or has received care in a state humane institution, his estate or both shall be liable to reimburse the state for any unpaid portion of per capita cost to the same extent as the liability of a public assistance beneficiary under sections 17b-93 and 17b-95, subject to the same protection of a surviving spouse or dependent child as is therein provided.

      (1969, P.A. 730, S. 13.)

      History: Sec. 17-295b transferred to Sec. 17b-224 in 1995.

      Annotations to former section 17-295b:

      Cited. 192 C. 520.

      State's claim against estate of deceased recipient or patient depends upon amount due at time of death of such recipient or patient. Upon date of death, estate's liability to reimburse state is fixed and cannot be expanded or contracted by subsequent enactments. 34 CS 518.

      Sec. 17b-225. (Formerly Sec. 17-295c). Availability of patient information to certain agencies. (a) The Department of Public Safety, the Department of Social Services and the United States Department of Health and Human Services shall be entitled to receive only such information concerning patients in institutions, hospitals and facilities of the Departments of Public Health, Mental Retardation and Mental Health and Addiction Services as is required to obtain support and payments for the care of such patients, including submissions of such information to probate courts, agencies and corporations dispensing benefits, or only such information concerning such patients as is required for the purpose of claiming federal reimbursement, or only such information concerning such patients as is required for the review and audit of federally funded programs. Any such information received by said Department of Public Safety, Department of Social Services and United States Department of Health and Human Services shall be confidential and shall be used for the purposes of obtaining support and payments for the care of said patients or for the purpose of claiming federal reimbursement or for the review and audit of federally funded programs.

      (b) The Department of Administrative Services shall be entitled to receive only such information concerning patients in institutions, hospitals and facilities of the Departments of Public Health, Mental Health and Addiction Services and Mental Retardation, and state humane institutions, as defined in section 17b-222, as is required to obtain support and payments for the care of such patients, including submissions of such information to probate courts, agencies and corporations dispensing benefits. Any such information received by said Department of Administrative Services shall be confidential and shall be used only for the purposes specified in this subsection.

      (1971, P.A. 263; P.A. 73-248, S. 1, 2; P.A. 74-215, S. 1, 3; P.A. 75-420, S. 4, 6; 75-638, S. 21, 23; P.A. 77-614, S. 71, 323, 587, 608, 610; P.A. 78-303, S. 85, 127, 136; P.A. 79-383; P.A. 93-262, S. 1, 87; 93-381, S. 9, 39; P.A. 95-257, S. 11, 12, 21, 58.)

      History: P.A. 73-248 entitled welfare department and U.S. Department of Health, Education and Welfare to receive information and included information relevant to claims for federal reimbursement or to review or audit of federally-funded programs; P.A. 74-215 added word "only" with reference to information re federal reimbursement and federal reviews and audits; P.A. 75-420 replaced welfare department with department of social services; P.A. 75-638 included information on patients in facilities of mental retardation department; P.A. 77-614 replaced central collections division of department of finance and control with department of administrative services and, effective January 1, 1979, replaced department of health with department of health services and department of social services with department of income maintenance; P.A. 78-303 entitled department of public safety to information; P.A. 79-383 added Subsec. (b) containing special provisions re information to which administrative services department entitled and removed references to said department in previous provisions, now Subsec. (a); P.A. 93-262 authorized substitution of commissioner and department of social services for commissioner and department of income maintenance, effective July 1, 1993; P.A. 93-381 replaced department of health services with department of public health and addiction services, effective July 1, 1993; Sec. 17-295c transferred to Sec. 17b-225 in 1995; P.A. 95-257 replaced Commissioner and Department of Public Health and Addiction Services with Commissioner and Department of Public Health and replaced Commissioner and Department of Mental Health with Commissioner and Department of Mental Health and Addiction Services, effective July 1, 1995.

      Sec. 17b-226. (Formerly Sec. 17-295d). Consideration of the costs mandated by collective bargaining agreements. The state shall take into consideration the costs mandated by collective bargaining agreements with certified collective bargaining agents or other agreements between employers and employees when making grants to or entering into contracts for services with the following: (1) Nonprofit organizations for mental health services pursuant to section 17a-476; (2) nonprofit organizations concerning services for drug-dependent and alcohol-dependent persons pursuant to section 17a-676; (3) residential and educational services pursuant to subsections (a) and (b) of section 17a-17; (4) psychiatric clinics and community mental health facilities pursuant to section 17a-20; (5) day treatment centers pursuant to section 17a-22; (6) youth service bureaus pursuant to subsection (a) of section 10-19n; (7) programs for the treatment and prevention of child abuse and neglect and for juvenile diversion pursuant to section 17a-49; (8) community-based service programs pursuant to sections 18-101i and 18-101k; (9) programs for mentally retarded children and adults pursuant to section 17a-217; (10) community-based residential facilities for mentally retarded persons pursuant to section 17a-218; and (11) vocational training programs for mentally retarded adults pursuant to section 17a-226.

      (P.A. 87-497, S. 2, 3; P.A. 90-209, S. 22; P.A. 91-406, S. 3, 29; P.A. 93-381, S. 13, 39.)

      History: P.A. 90-209 in Subdiv. (2) substituted "alcohol-dependent" for "alcoholic" and Sec. 17-155gg for repealed Sec. 17-226d and made a technical change; P.A. 91-406 deleted former Subdiv. (11) re diagnostic clinics for mentally retarded persons, renumbering former Subsec. (12) accordingly; P.A. 93-381 made technical changes, effective July 1, 1993; Sec. 17-295d transferred to Sec. 17b-226 in 1995.

      Sec. 17b-227. (Formerly Sec. 17-297). Payment for support in state hospitals. All bills for support of inmates in state hospitals for mental illness shall be paid to the Commissioner of Administrative Services, who shall keep an account of the same and turn over the amount received in payment thereof to the State Treasurer.

      (1949 Rev., S. 2662; 1951, S. 1497d; 1967, P.A. 314, S. 16; P.A. 77-614, S. 70, 610.)

      History: 1967 act substituted commissioner of finance and control for welfare commissioner; P.A. 77-614 replaced commissioner of finance and control with commissioner of administrative services; Sec. 17-297 transferred to Sec. 17b-227 in 1995.

      Sec. 17b-228. (Formerly Sec. 17-298). Court action by state to recover unpaid portion of charges. When any person has been supported, wholly or in part, by the state in a humane institution, whether such person was admitted thereto as a pauper or indigent or otherwise, and any portion of the charges for which such person or his liable relatives were liable under the provisions of section 17b-223 remains unpaid, such person or such relatives, as the case may be, or the estate of any such person or such relatives, shall be liable to the state therefor, and the Commissioner of Administrative Services may, in the name of the state, bring a complaint therefor, against any liable person or persons, in any court having jurisdiction thereof in the county in which such liable person or the conservator or guardian of such patient resides, or, if several are liable, in the county in which any of them resides, and any other person who might, under the provisions hereof, have been made a defendant in such action may be cited in as a party defendant on motion of either party thereto. Said court may render judgment against the defendant, or each or any of the several defendants, in favor of the state for the balance of the charges remaining unpaid for which such defendants are liable, and payment of such judgment may be secured by attachment and execution issued thereon. The limitation of action provided in section 52-576 shall apply only to any such claim against a relative as such, and any claim by the state for reimbursement of the balance of the billed charges remaining unpaid from the estate of any deceased person shall be presented to the executor or administrator thereof within the time limited for the presentation of other claims against such estate.

      (1949 Rev., S. 2663; 1953, 1955, S. 1498d; 1959, P.A. 404; 1961, P.A. 62; 1967, P.A. 314, S. 16; 653, S. 1; 1969, P.A. 453, S. 4; P.A. 77-614, S. 70, 610.)

      History: 1959 act specified Sec. 52-276 apply only to claims against a relative as such, raised amount of personal estate limit from one to two thousand dollars, and reduced waiting time from ninety to thirty days; 1961 act deleted provision for municipality to take estate proceedings, added expenses for last illness and burial and authorized banks, etc., having control to pay sums to commissioner and deleted alternatives for paying same; 1967 acts substituted commissioner of finance and control for welfare commissioner and raised personal estate limit from two thousand to thirty-five hundred dollars; 1969 act deleted provisions re taking of estates not exceeding thirty-five thousand dollars by state; P.A. 77-614 replaced commissioner of finance and control with commissioner of administrative services; Sec. 17-298 transferred to Sec. 17b-228 in 1995.

      See Sec. 17b-222 for definition of "humane institution".

      See Sec. 17b-745 re issuance of court order for support of persons supported by state and wage executions.

      Annotations to former section 17-298:

      Applies to a past expenditure. 93 C. 573. By bringing action, state subjects itself to the procedure established for its final disposition. 119 C. 220. Trustee's agreement to pay for support furnished prior to death of testator held invalid. Id., 508. Cited. 127 C. 58. In action by city against same trustee, held no duty on trustee of discretionary trust to use fund for support of inmate. 133 C. 31. Cited. 137 C. 319. Cited. 139 C. 472. Essential for recovery against an estate that decedent was able to reimburse the state during his lifetime. 140 C. 21, 26. Cited. Id., 214. Cited. 142 C. 329. Cited. 152 C. 55. Cited. 189 C. 726.

      Finding by probate court that a person was a pauper not conclusive because fact is a jurisdictional one. 4 CS 286. Statute retrospective in operation because it does not originate a new cause of action but extends one which previously existed in the state to the towns and cities. 11 CS 295. Not applicable to a person, certified insane after having been committed to jail on a binding over process, and then transferred to a state hospital until the time of his trial. 14 CS 33. Cited. 15 CS 177. An action under this provision should not be entered on the jury docket. Id., 369. Claim for reimbursement for care of tubercular patient allowed. 16 CS 118. Creates absolute liability on recipient of town aid for support and care in a humane institution. 18 CS 337.

      Commissioner may proceed under this section or section 17-324 to obtain support for a patient in a state humane institution. 4 Conn. Cir. Ct. 81. Cited. Id., 548.

      Sec. 17b-229. (Formerly Sec. 17-299). Liability for prior charges. (a) No relative of a patient in a state humane institution, nor the estate of such relative, shall be liable for any portion of the cost of support of any such patient in such institution for any period prior to July 1, 1955, except unpaid charges billed by the Welfare Commissioner.

      (b) The provisions of sections 17a-278, 17a-502, 17b-222, 17b-223, 17b-228, 17b-232, 17b-745, 46b-215 and 53-304 shall not affect or impair the responsibility of any patient or patient's estate for his care in a state humane institution prior to July 1, 1955, and the same may be enforced by any action by which such responsibility would have been enforceable prior to July 1, 1955, but only to the extent of that portion of such estate as is not needed for the support of the spouse, parents and dependent children of such patient.

      (1955, S. 1499d; 1957, P.A. 330, S. 1, 2; February, 1965, P.A. 574, S. 25; P.A. 76-139, S. 11; P.A. 77-614, S. 587, 608, 610; P.A. 78-303, S. 85, 136; P.A. 91-406, S. 4, 29; P.A. 04-257, S. 33.)

      History: 1965 act deleted references to Secs. 17-159, 17-168 and 17-323 and added reference to Sec. 17-174a; P.A. 76-139 deleted reference to Secs. 19-122, 19-123 and 19-124 repealed by same act; P.A. 77-614 and P.A. 78-303 would have replaced welfare commissioner with commissioner of income maintenance but for qualifying date reference; P.A. 91-406 made technical changes in Subsec. (b), deleting references to Secs. 17-174a, 17-296 and 17-320 and adding references to Secs. 17a-278 and 46b-215; Sec. 17-299 transferred to Sec. 17b-229 in 1995; P.A. 04-257 made a technical change in Subsec. (b), effective June 14, 2004.

      Sec. 17b-230. (Formerly Sec. 17-300). Claim of state on death of institution patient. Upon the death of a patient or of a person who has, at any time, been a patient in a state humane institution, the state shall have a claim against his estate for reimbursement for institutional support according to the provisions of sections 17b-223, 17b-224 and 17b-229 to the extent that the amount which the surviving spouse, parent or dependent children of the decedent would otherwise take from such estate is not needed for their support. Such claims shall have priority over all unsecured claims against such estate, except (1) expenses of last sickness not to exceed three hundred seventy-five dollars, (2) funeral and burial expenses in accordance with section 17b-84, (3) such unpaid fees and expenses of the conservator of such patient, if any, as are authorized by law and (4) administrative expenses, including probate fees and taxes, and including fiduciary fees not exceeding the following commissions on the value of the whole estates accounted for by such fiduciaries: On the first two thousand dollars or portion thereof, five per cent; on the next eight thousand dollars or portion thereof, four per cent; on the excess over ten thousand dollars, three per cent. Upon petition by any fiduciary, the Probate Court, after hearing thereon, may authorize compensation in excess of the above schedule for extraordinary services. Notice of any such petition and hearing shall be given to the Commissioner of Administrative Services in Hartford at least ten days in advance of such hearing. The allowable funeral and burial payment herein shall be reduced by the amount of any prepaid funeral arrangement. Any amount paid from the estate under this section to any person which exceeds the limits provided herein shall be repaid to the estate by such person, and such amount may be recovered in a civil action with interest at six per cent from the date of demand.

      (1957, P.A. 500; 1959, P.A. 395, S. 3; 1961, P.A. 426, S. 3; 1963, P.A. 438, S. 9; February, 1965, P.A. 625, S. 8; 1967, P.A. 151, S. 8; 314, S. 16; 1969, P.A. 730, S. 39; 1972, P.A. 294, S. 16; P.A. 77-614, S. 70, 610; P.A. 78-337, S. 10, 11; P.A. 88-364, S. 27, 123.)

      History: 1959 act amended Subdiv. (2) to raise total funeral and burial expenses from three hundred to six hundred dollars and added Subdiv. (3) and provisions re reductions for prepaid funeral arrangements and recovery or repayment of amounts paid in excess of limits; 1961 act clarified language re restrictions placed on application of Secs. 17-295 and 17-299; 1963 act reduced funeral and burial expense priority amount from six hundred to four hundred dollars; 1965 act increased funeral and burial expense priority amount to four hundred fifty dollars; 1967 acts raised funeral and burial expense ceiling to five hundred dollars and substituted commissioner of finance and control for welfare commissioner; 1969 act increased limit on funeral and burial expenses to six hundred dollars; 1972 act added reference to Sec. 17-295b; P.A. 77-614 replaced commissioner of finance and control with commissioner of administrative services; P.A. 78-337 replaced specific dollar limit on funeral and burial expenses with reference to amounts allowed under Sec. 17-82q; P.A. 88-364 made technical change in section; Sec. 17-300 transferred to Sec. 17b-230 in 1995.

      Annotation to former section 17-300:

      Cited. 34 CS 518.

      Sec. 17b-231. (Formerly Sec. 17-301). Refund for support of persons in state institutions. Claim for any sum due from the state as a refund for the support of any person in a state institution may be made by the person entitled thereto to the Commissioner of Administrative Services, in writing, on forms furnished by said commissioner, who shall decide as to the amount due and, if satisfied that the claimant is entitled to any refund, shall certify the amount due to the comptroller, who shall pay the same.

      (1949 Rev., S. 2619; 1967, P.A. 314, S. 16; P.A. 77-614, S. 70, 610.)

      History: 1967 act substituted commissioner of finance and control for welfare commissioner; P.A. 77-614 replaced commissioner of finance and control with commissioner of administrative services; Sec. 17-301 transferred to Sec. 17b-231 in 1995.

      Annotation to former section 17-301:

      Cited. 30 CS 118.

      Sec. 17b-232. (Formerly Sec. 17-306). Payment for board and care in boarding home, group home, convalescent hospital or other residential facility. The state, through the agency of the state-operated facility, as defined in subsection (b) of section 17a-458, authorizing the transfer of a resident to a private boarding home for mental patients, group home, chronic and convalescent hospital or other residential facility as provided by section 17a-509, shall pay the cost of the board and care of such mentally ill person, provided such cost shall not be in excess of the rates established under section 17b-340 for such facilities.

      (1949 Rev., S. 2685; 1953, 1955, S. 1513d; 1957, P.A. 19; 1959, P.A. 543; P.A. 80-3; June Sp. Sess. P.A. 83-39, S. 3, 18.)

      History: 1959 act deleted provision that state pay costs in addition to those paid in accordance with Sec. 17-295, added that payment is not to exceed rates under Sec. 17-314 and substituted term "mentally retarded" for "mentally deficient"; P.A. 80-3 deleted state hospital reference, included state-operated facilities, regional centers or other facilities for care and training of the mentally retarded and group homes or other residential facilities and updated section reference to reflect transfer of Sec. 17-174 to Sec. 19-569h; June Sp. Sess. P.A. 83-39 deleted reference to state training schools, regional centers or other facilities for the care and training of the mentally retarded and reference to Sec. 19a-451; Sec. 17-306 transferred to Sec. 17b-232 in 1995.

      Sec. 17b-233. (Formerly Sec. 17-307). Care of handicapped and other children at Newington Children's Hospital. Children with drug-related conditions not to be admitted. Newington Children's Hospital may admit any child who is handicapped or afflicted with any pediatric illness upon application of the selectmen of any town, or the guardian or any relative of such child, or any public health agency or physician, provided, no person shall be admitted primarily for the treatment of any drug-related condition. Said hospital shall admit such child to said hospital if such child is pronounced by the physicians on the staff of said hospital, after examination, to be suitable for admission, and said hospital shall keep and support such child for such length of time as it deems proper. Said hospital shall not be required to admit any such child unless it can conveniently receive and care for such child at the time application is made and said hospital may return to the town in which such child resides any child so taken who is pronounced by the physicians on the staff of said hospital, after examination, to be unsuitable for retention or who, by reason of improvement in his condition or completion of his treatment or training, ought not to be further retained. The hospital may refuse to admit any child pronounced by the physicians on the staff of said hospital, after examination, to be unsuitable for admission and may refuse to admit any such child when the facilities at the hospital will not, in the judgment of said physicians, permit the hospital to care for such child adequately and properly.

      (1949 Rev., S. 2609; June, 1949, 1955, S. 1440d; 1959, P.A. 610, S. 1; P.A. 80-293, S. 1, 2.)

      History: 1959 act changed name of hospital, substituted affliction with "noncontagious pediatric illness or handicapping physical condition" for "poliomyelitis or cerebral palsy or any uncontagious crippling disease," deleted statement that child or relatives must be unable to pay and required that child be "suitable" rather than "fit" for admission; P.A. 80-293 changed admission requirement, substituting "handicapped" child for one "of sound mind who is a cripple", allowing admission for any pediatric illness rather than for "noncontagious" illnesses alone and deleting reference to "handicapping physical condition", and added proviso prohibiting admission "primarily for the treatment of any drug-related condition"; Sec. 17-307 transferred to Sec. 17b-233 in 1995.

      Annotation to former section 17-307:

      In tort action no recovery allowed for value of services rendered gratuitously by state-supported or other public charity. 129 C. 207.

      Sec. 17b-234. (Formerly Sec. 17-308). State payment toward support of patients at Newington Children's Hospital. The Department of Social Services shall notify the Newington Children's Hospital of each referral for whom said department can apply for federal matching grants. Newington Children's Hospital shall charge the Department of Social Services for said eligible referrals only and shall retain all such payments received from the department. Such payments by the state shall be in lieu of all other payments to said hospital by the state or any town in this state except payments by the Department of Social Services as provided in this section, the State Board of Education or the Department of Public Health. Such payments shall not prevent payments to said hospital from private sources for the care and support of any child in said hospital or for the balance of such operating expense. The Office of Health Care Access, in establishing rates to be charged by the Newington Children's Hospital, shall not include the grant made to said hospital pursuant to this section. In order to be eligible for the grant authorized by this section, the Newington Children's Hospital shall cooperate with The University of Connecticut Health Center in order to provide consolidated and coordinated pediatric services.

      (June, 1949, 1951, 1953, S. 1441d; November, 1955, S. N167, N168; 1957, P.A. 550, S. 1; 1959, P.A. 610, S. 2; 1961, P.A. 460, S. 1; P.A. 73-117, S. 20; 73-273, S. 1, 3; P.A. 74-182, S. 2, 3; P.A. 75-420, S. 4, 6; P.A. 77-614, S. 323, 608, 610; P.A. 79-560, S. 24, 39; P.A. 81-430, S. 1, 3; P.A. 82-91, S. 31, 38; June Sp. Sess. P.A. 83-32, S. 5, 8; P.A. 84-442, S. 1, 2; P.A. 88-281, S. 1, 4; P.A. 93-262, S. 1, 87; 93-381, S. 9, 39; P.A. 95-257, S. 12, 21, 39, 58; June 18 Sp. Sess. P.A. 97-8, S. 20, 88.)

      History: 1959 act changed name of hospital, increased per cent of operating expenses paid from twenty-five to twenty-six per cent and added provision re per capita operating expense for preceding year; 1961 act increased portion of operating expense paid to twenty-eight per cent and deleted exclusion, when calculating operating expense, for expense of operation of farm; P.A. 73-117 replaced hospital cost commission with committee established under Sec. 17-311; P.A. 73-273 reduced state payment by amount paid by welfare department for services to children for whom said department receives federal matching grants and added provisions re notice to hospital of eligible referrals and charges pertaining in such cases; P.A. 74-182 changed payments' basis from year ending June thirtieth to year ending September thirtieth as of July 1, 1974, and required determination of payment amount on or before July 1, 1974, adding provisions for making determination and adjustments; P.A. 75-420 replaced welfare department with department of social services; P.A. 77-614 replaced department of health with department of health services and replaced department of social services with department of income maintenance, effective January 1, 1979; P.A. 79-560 replaced references to committee established under Sec. 17-311 with references to commissioner of income maintenance; P.A. 81-430 lowered state's payment for support of children admitted to the hospital from twenty-eight to twenty-four per cent of the hospital's operating cost; P.A. 82-91 added Subsec. (a) which provided that (1) for fiscal years 82-83 and 83-84, the state grant to Newington Children's Hospital shall be the lesser of $1,000,000 or the amount by which 24% of the hospital's operating expense exceeds payments to it by the department of income maintenance, (2) the hospital shall retain all payments from said department, (3) the state grant shall be in lieu of all other payments by the state or any town, except payments by said department or the state board of education and (4) commission on hospitals and health care shall not include grant in establishing rates and specified that, in order to be eligible for state grant the hospital shall cooperate with The University of Connecticut health center in order to provide consolidated, coordinated pediatric services; June Sp. Sess. P.A. 83-32 amended Subsec. (a) which reduced the grant to the Newington Children's Hospital from one million dollars to seven hundred fifty thousand dollars and excepted payments by the department of health services from the provision that the state grant shall be in lieu of all other payments; P.A. 84-442 deleted Subsec. (b) which would, effective July 1, 1984, establish the state's payment to the hospital at twenty-four per cent of the hospital's operating expenses, and applied provisions formerly designated as Subsec. (a) to fiscal year commencing July 1, 1984, and each year thereafter; P.A. 88-281 changed the amount of the annual grant, on behalf of the department of health services, to the hospital from "the lesser of (1) seven hundred fifty thousand dollars or (2) the amount by which twenty-four per cent of the operating expense of said hospital exceeds payments to said hospital by the department of income maintenance for services to children for whom said department receives federal matching grants" to "the amount appropriated to the department for the purposes of such grant" and repealed method for determination of "operating expense"; P.A. 93-262 authorized substitution of commissioner and department of social services for commissioner and department of income maintenance, effective July 1, 1993; P.A. 93-381 replaced department of health services with department of public health and addiction services, effective July 1, 1993; Sec. 17-308 transferred to Sec. 17b-234 in 1995; P.A. 95-257 replaced Commissioner and Department of Public Health and Addiction Services with Commissioner and Department of Public Health and replaced Commission on Hospitals and Health Care with Office of Health Care Access, effective July 1, 1995; June 18 Sp. Sess. P.A. 97-8 deleted obsolete provision re grants to Newington Children's Hospital, effective July 1, 1997.

      Annotation to former section 17-308:

      Cited. 33 CA 673.

      Sec. 17b-235. (Formerly Sec. 17-308a). Payment of retroactive claims. Nothing in section 17b-234 shall preclude the state from paying retroactive claims to Newington Children's Hospital for the purpose of claiming federal reimbursement.

      (P.A. 73-273, S. 2, 3.)

      History: Sec. 17-308a transferred to Sec. 17b-235 in 1995.

      Sec. 17b-236. (Formerly Sec. 17-309). Admission of physically disabled children to The Children's Center. When there is found in any town in this state any child of sound mind who is physically disabled or who is afflicted with poliomyelitis or rheumatic fever, or any uncontagious disabling disease, and who is unable to pay and whose relatives who are legally liable for his support are unable to pay the full cost of treating such disease, if such child and one of such relatives reside in this state, the selectmen of such town, or the guardian or any relative of such child, or any public health agency or physician in this state, may make application to The Children's Center, located at Hamden, for the admission of such child to said center. Said center shall admit such child if such child is pronounced by the physicians on the staff of said center, after examination, to be fit for admission, and said center shall keep and support such child for such length of time as it deems proper. Said center shall not be required to admit any such child unless it can conveniently receive and care for him at the time such application is made, and said center may return to the town in which such child resides any child so taken who is pronounced by the physicians on the staff of said center, after examination, to be unfit for retention, or who, by reason of improvement in his condition or completion of his treatment or training, ought not to be further retained. The center may refuse to admit any child who is pronounced by the physicians on the staff of said center, after examination, to be unfit for admission, and may refuse to admit any such child when the facilities at the center will not, in the judgment of said physicians, permit the center to care for such child adequately and properly.

      (1955, S. 1442d; 1969, P.A. 571, S. 7, 9.)

      History: 1969 act changed name of New Haven Orphan Asylum to the Children's Center; Sec. 17-309 transferred to Sec. 17b-236 in 1995.

      Sec. 17b-237. (Formerly Sec. 17-310). State aid toward support of children at center. The state shall pay annually toward the support of children who have been admitted to the center in accordance with the provisions of section 17b-236 twenty-five per cent of the operating expense of the convalescent hospital for the preceding year ended June thirtieth. Such amount shall be determined annually by the Commissioner of Social Services. Upon the determination by said commissioner of such amount, said commissioner shall notify the Comptroller thereof, and the Comptroller shall pay monthly during the ensuing fiscal year one-twelfth of the amount so determined. Such payments by the state shall not abrogate any responsibility for payments by the state or any town or any person for care in said center, except that for care in said convalescent hospital of any child directly supported by the state the charge for such care to the state shall not exceed seventy-five per cent of the daily average cost rate for the preceding year ended June thirtieth as such rate shall be determined by said commissioner.

      (1955, S. 1443d; 1957, P.A. 541, S. 1; P.A. 73-117, S. 21, 31; P.A. 79-560, S. 25, 39; P.A. 93-262, S. 1, 87.)

      History: P.A. 73-117 replaced hospital cost commission with "the committee established under ... section 17-311"; P.A. 79-560 replaced references to committee and incorrect references to its predecessor, the commission, with references to commissioner of income maintenance; P.A. 93-262 authorized substitution of commissioner and department of social services for commissioner and department of income maintenance, effective July 1, 1993; Sec. 17-310 transferred to Sec. 17b-237 in 1995.

      Sec. 17b-238. (Formerly Sec. 17-311). State payments to hospitals. (a) The Commissioner of Social Services shall establish annually the cost of services for which payment is to be made under the provisions of section 17b-239. All hospitals receiving state aid shall submit their cost data under oath on forms approved by the commissioner. The commissioner may adopt, in accordance with the provisions of chapter 54, regulations concerning the submission of data by institutions and agencies to which payments are to be made under sections 17b-239, 17b-243, 17b-244, 17b-340, 17b-341 and section 17b-343, and the defining of policies utilized by the commissioner in establishing rates under said sections, which data and policies are necessary for the efficient administration of said sections. The commissioner shall provide, upon request, a statement of interpretation of the Medicaid cost-related reimbursement system regulations for long-term care facilities reimbursed under section 17b-340 concerning allowable and unallowable costs or expenditures. Such statement of interpretation shall not be construed to constitute a regulation violative of chapter 54. Failure of such statement of interpretation to address a specific unallowable cost or expenditure fact pattern shall in no way prevent the commissioner from enforcing all applicable laws and regulations.

      (b) Any institution or agency to which payments are to be made under sections 17b-239 to 17b-246, inclusive, and sections 17b-340 and 17b-343 which is aggrieved by any decision of said commissioner may, within ten days after written notice thereof from the commissioner, obtain, by written request to the commissioner, a rehearing on all items of aggrievement. On and after July 1, 1996, a rehearing shall be held by the commissioner or his designee, provided a detailed written description of all such items is filed within ninety days of written notice of the commissioner's decision. The rehearing shall be held within thirty days of the filing of the detailed written description of each specific item of aggrievement. The commissioner shall issue a final decision within sixty days of the close of evidence or the date on which final briefs are filed, whichever occurs later. Any designee of the commissioner who presides over such rehearing shall be impartial and shall not be employed within the Department of Social Services office of certificate of need and rate setting. Any such items not resolved at such rehearing to the satisfaction of either such institution or agency or said commissioner shall be submitted to binding arbitration to an arbitration board consisting of one member appointed by the institution or agency, one member appointed by the commissioner and one member appointed by the Chief Court Administrator from among the retired judges of the Superior Court, which retired judge shall be compensated for his services on such board in the same manner as a state referee is compensated for his services under section 52-434. The proceedings of the arbitration board and any decisions rendered by such board shall be conducted in accordance with the provisions of the Social Security Act, 49 Stat. 620 (1935), 42 USC 1396, as amended from time to time, and chapter 54.

      (c) The submission of any false or misleading fiscal information or data to said commissioner shall be grounds for suspension of payments by the state under sections 17b-239 to 17b-246, inclusive, and sections 17b-340 and 17b-343 in accordance with regulations adopted by said commissioner. In addition, any person, including any corporation, who knowingly makes or causes to be made any false or misleading statement or who knowingly submits false or misleading fiscal information or data on the forms approved by the commissioner shall be guilty of a class D felony.

      (d) Said commissioner, or any agent authorized by the commissioner to conduct any inquiry, investigation or hearing under the provisions of this section, shall have power to administer oaths and take testimony under oath relative to the matter of inquiry or investigation. At any hearing ordered by the commissioner, the commissioner or such agent having authority by law to issue such process may subpoena witnesses and require the production of records, papers and documents pertinent to such inquiry. If any person disobeys such process or, having appeared in obedience thereto, refuses to answer any pertinent question put to him by the commissioner or his authorized agent or to produce any records and papers pursuant thereto, the commissioner or his agent may apply to the superior court for the judicial district of Hartford or for the judicial district wherein the person resides or wherein the business has been conducted, or to any judge of said court if the same is not in session, setting forth such disobedience to process or refusal to answer, and said court or such judge shall cite such person to appear before said court or such judge to answer such question or to produce such records and papers.

      (1949, 1953, S. 1585d; 1961, P.A. 474, S. 1; February, 1965, P.A. 146; 1969, P.A. 506; 642, S. 1; 1971, P.A. 300; P.A. 73-117, S. 22, 31; P.A. 75-420, S. 4, 6; 75-562, S. 5, 8; P.A. 76-244; 76-436, S. 10a, 592, 681; P.A. 77-574, S. 3, 6; 77-593, S. 3, 4; 77-614, S. 19, 344, 587, 610; P.A. 78-264, S. 1, 4; 78-280, S. 1, 5, 127; 78-303, S. 85, 136; P.A. 79-182, S. 2, 4; P.A. 80-196, S. 1, 2; P.A. 81-249; P.A. 83-73; P.A. 86-319, S. 2; P.A. 88-156, S. 18; 88-230, S. 1, 12; 88-317, S. 74, 107; P.A. 90-98, S. 1, 2; P.A. 93-142, S. 4, 7, 8; 93-262, S. 1, 87; P.A. 95-220, S. 4-6; 95-351, S. 24, 30.)

      History: 1961 act added commissioners of finance and control and mental health, deleted requirement that commission prescribe and provide uniform forms and provided that commission approve cost data forms; 1965 act added Subsec. (b); 1969 acts replaced hospital cost analyst with executive director of commission in Subsec. (a) and replaced appeal provisions in Subsec. (b) with provisions for rehearing and required aggrieved hospital to file within ten days after receiving notice rather than within thirty days; 1971 act replaced state budget director with commissioner of finance and control in Subsec. (a) and added commission's power to make regulations and define policies used in establishing rates; P.A. 73-117 replaced commission with committee, removed commissioner of health as member and added chairman and vice chairman of commission on hospitals and health care and replaced provision concerning executive director with statement that necessary staff will be made available by commission on hospitals and health care; P.A. 75-420 replaced welfare commissioner with commissioner of social services; P.A. 75-562 made department of health responsible for supplying necessary staff; P.A. 76-244 added Subsec. (c) re power to administer oaths, take testimony, issue subpoenas, etc.; P.A. 76-436 replaced chief judge with chief court administrator in Subsec. (b), effective July 1, 1978; P.A. 77-574 replaced "hospital" with "institution or agency ..." in Subsec. (b); P.A. 77-593 inserted new Subsec. (c) re submission of false or misleading fiscal information and relettered former Subsec. (c) as Subsec. (d); P.A. 77-614 and P.A. 78-303 replaced commissioner of finance and control with secretary of the office of policy and management as committee member but later provision replaced committee with commissioner of income maintenance and removed reference to staff supplied by health department, effective January 1, 1979; P.A. 78-264 repealed amendments to Subsec. (a) made by P.A. 77-614; P.A. 78-280 replaced "county" with "judicial district" and "Hartford courts", with "judicial district of Hartford-New Britain"; P.A. 79-182 added reference to Sec. 17-314a in Subsec. (a); P.A. 80-196 required that proceedings of arbitration board be conducted in accordance with Social Security and Uniform Administrative Procedure Act; P.A. 81-249 amended Subsec. (c) to provide that any person, including any corporation, who knowingly makes or causes to be made any false or misleading statement or who knowingly submits false or misleading fiscal information shall be guilty of a class D felony; P.A. 83-73 amended Subsec. (a) to provide for a statement of interpretation of the medicaid cost related reimbursement system regulations; P.A. 86-319 added references to Sec. 17-314c; P.A. 88-156 made a technical correction in Subsec. (b); P.A. 88-230 replaced "judicial district of Hartford-New Britain" with "judicial district of Hartford", effective September 1, 1991; P.A. 88-317 amended Subsec. (b) by substituting "chapter 54" for "the Uniform Administrative Procedure Act, sections 4-166 to 4-189", effective July 1, 1989, and applicable to all agency proceedings commencing on or after that date; P.A. 90-98 changed the effective date of P.A. 88-230 from September 1, 1991, to September 1, 1993; P.A. 93-142 changed the effective date of P.A. 88-230 from September 1, 1993, to September 1, 1996, effective June 14, 1993; P.A. 93-262 authorized substitution of commissioner and department of social services for commissioner and department of income maintenance, effective July 1, 1993; Sec. 17-311 transferred to Sec. 17b-238 in 1995; P.A. 95-220 changed the effective date of P.A. 88-230 from September 1, 1996, to September 1, 1998, effective July 1, 1995; P.A. 95-351 amended Subsec. (b) by adding provisions for a rehearing, effective July 1, 1995.

      See Sec. 19a-630 for applicable definitions.

      Annotations to former section 17-311:

      Subsec. (b):

      Cited. 42 CS 348; Id., 558.

      Subsec. (c):

      Cited. 242 C. 345.

      Annotations to present section:

      Subsec. (a):

      Cited. 242 C. 345.

      Subsec. (c):

      Cited. 242 C. 345.

      Sec. 17b-239. (Formerly Sec. 17-312). Payments to hospitals. Regulations. (a) The rate to be paid by the state to hospitals receiving appropriations granted by the General Assembly and to freestanding chronic disease hospitals, providing services to persons aided or cared for by the state for routine services furnished to state patients, shall be based upon reasonable cost to such hospital, or the charge to the general public for ward services or the lowest charge for semiprivate services if the hospital has no ward facilities, imposed by such hospital, whichever is lowest, except to the extent, if any, that the commissioner determines that a greater amount is appropriate in the case of hospitals serving a disproportionate share of indigent patients. Such rate shall be promulgated annually by the Commissioner of Social Services. Nothing contained in this section shall authorize a payment by the state for such services to any such hospital in excess of the charges made by such hospital for comparable services to the general public. Notwithstanding the provisions of this section, for the rate period beginning July 1, 2000, rates paid to freestanding chronic disease hospitals and freestanding psychiatric hospitals shall be increased by three per cent. For the rate period beginning July 1, 2001, a freestanding chronic disease hospital or freestanding psychiatric hospital shall receive a rate that is two and one-half per cent more than the rate it received in the prior fiscal year and such rate shall remain effective until December 31, 2002. Effective January 1, 2003, a freestanding chronic disease hospital or freestanding psychiatric hospital shall receive a rate that is two per cent more than the rate it received in the prior fiscal year. Notwithstanding the provisions of this subsection, for the period commencing July 1, 2001, and ending June 30, 2003, the commissioner may pay an additional total of no more than three hundred thousand dollars annually for services provided to long-term ventilator patients. For purposes of this subsection, "long-term ventilator patient" means any patient at a freestanding chronic disease hospital on a ventilator for a total of sixty days or more in any consecutive twelve-month period. Effective July 1, 2004, each freestanding chronic disease hospital shall receive a rate that is two per cent more than the rate it received in the prior fiscal year.

      (b) Effective October 1, 1991, the rate to be paid by the state for the cost of special services rendered by such hospitals shall be established annually by the commissioner for each such hospital based on the reasonable cost to each hospital of such services furnished to state patients. Nothing contained herein shall authorize a payment by the state for such services to any such hospital in excess of the charges made by such hospital for comparable services to the general public.

      (c) The term "reasonable cost" as used in this section means the cost of care furnished such patients by an efficient and economically operated facility, computed in accordance with accepted principles of hospital cost reimbursement. The commissioner may adjust the rate of payment established under the provisions of this section for the year during which services are furnished to reflect fluctuations in hospital costs. Such adjustment may be made prospectively to cover anticipated fluctuations or may be made retroactive to any date subsequent to the date of the initial rate determination for such year or in such other manner as may be determined by the commissioner. In determining "reasonable cost" the commissioner may give due consideration to allowances for fully or partially unpaid bills, reasonable costs mandated by collective bargaining agreements with certified collective bargaining agents or other agreements between the employer and employees, provided "employees" shall not include persons employed as managers or chief administrators, requirements for working capital and cost of development of new services, including additions to and replacement of facilities and equipment. The commissioner shall not give consideration to amounts paid by the facilities to employees as salary, or to attorneys or consultants as fees, where the responsibility of the employees, attorneys or consultants is to persuade or seek to persuade the other employees of the facility to support or oppose unionization. Nothing in this subsection shall prohibit the commissioner from considering amounts paid for legal counsel related to the negotiation of collective bargaining agreements, the settlement of grievances or normal administration of labor relations.

      (d) The state shall also pay to such hospitals for each outpatient clinic and emergency room visit a reasonable rate to be established annually by the commissioner for each hospital, such rate to be determined by the reasonable cost of such services. The emergency room visit rates in effect June 30, 1991, shall remain in effect through June 30, 1993, except those which would have been decreased effective July 1, 1991, or July 1, 1992, shall be decreased. Nothing contained herein shall authorize a payment by the state for such services to any hospital in excess of the charges made by such hospital for comparable services to the general public. For those outpatient hospital services paid on the basis of a ratio of cost to charges, the ratios in effect June 30, 1991, shall be reduced effective July 1, 1991, by the most recent annual increase in the consumer price index for medical care. For those outpatient hospital services paid on the basis of a ratio of cost to charges, the ratios computed to be effective July 1, 1994, shall be reduced by the most recent annual increase in the consumer price index for medical care. The emergency room visit rates in effect June 30, 1994, shall remain in effect through December 31, 1994. The Commissioner of Social Services shall establish a fee schedule for outpatient hospital services to be effective on and after January 1, 1995. Except with respect to the rate periods beginning July 1, 1999, and July 1, 2000, such fee schedule shall be adjusted annually beginning July 1, 1996, to reflect necessary increases in the cost of services. Notwithstanding the provisions of this subsection, the fee schedule for the rate period beginning July 1, 2000, shall be increased by ten and one-half per cent, effective June 1, 2001. Notwithstanding the provisions of this subsection, outpatient rates in effect as of June 30, 2003, shall remain in effect through June 30, 2005. Effective July 1, 2006, subject to available appropriations, the commissioner shall increase outpatient service fees for services that may include clinic, emergency room, magnetic resonance imaging, and computerized axial tomography. Not later than October 1, 2006, the commissioner shall submit a report, in accordance with section 11-4a, to the joint standing committees of the General Assembly having cognizance of matters relating to public health, human services and appropriations and the budgets of state agencies, identifying such fee increases and the associated cost increase estimates.

      (e) The commissioner shall adopt regulations, in accordance with the provisions of chapter 54, establishing criteria for defining emergency and nonemergency visits to hospital emergency rooms. All nonemergency visits to hospital emergency rooms shall be paid at the hospital's outpatient clinic services rate. Nothing contained in this subsection or the regulations adopted hereunder shall authorize a payment by the state for such services to any hospital in excess of the charges made by such hospital for comparable services to the general public.

      (f) On and after October 1, 1984, the state shall pay to an acute care general hospital for the inpatient care of a patient who no longer requires acute care a rate determined by the following schedule: For the first seven days following certification that the patient no longer requires acute care the state shall pay the hospital at a rate of fifty per cent of the hospital's actual cost; for the second seven-day period following certification that the patient no longer requires acute care the state shall pay seventy-five per cent of the hospital's actual cost; for the third seven-day period following certification that the patient no longer requires acute care and for any period of time thereafter, the state shall pay the hospital at a rate of one hundred per cent of the hospital's actual cost. On and after July 1, 1995, no payment shall be made by the state to an acute care general hospital for the inpatient care of a patient who no longer requires acute care and is eligible for Medicare unless the hospital does not obtain reimbursement from Medicare for that stay.

      (g) Effective June 1, 2001, the commissioner shall establish inpatient hospital rates in accordance with the method specified in regulations adopted pursuant to this section and applied for the rate period beginning October 1, 2000, except that the commissioner shall update each hospital's target amount per discharge to the actual allowable cost per discharge based upon the 1999 cost report filing multiplied by sixty-two and one-half per cent if such amount is higher than the target amount per discharge for the rate period beginning October 1, 2000, as adjusted for the ten per cent incentive identified in Section 4005 of Public Law 101-508. If a hospital's rate is increased pursuant to this subsection, the hospital shall not receive the ten per cent incentive identified in Section 4005 of Public Law 101-508. For rate periods beginning October 1, 2001, through September 30, 2006, the commissioner shall not apply an annual adjustment factor to the target amount per discharge. Effective April 1, 2005, the revised target amount per discharge for each hospital with a target amount per discharge less than three thousand seven hundred fifty dollars shall be three thousand seven hundred fifty dollars. Effective October 1, 2006, subject to available appropriations, the commissioner shall establish an increased target amount per discharge of not less than four thousand dollars for each hospital with a target amount per discharge less than four thousand dollars for the rate period ending September 30, 2006, and the commissioner may apply an annual adjustment factor to the target amount per discharge for hospitals that are not increased as a result of the revised target amount per discharge. Not later than October 1, 2006, the commissioner shall submit a report, in accordance with section 11-4a, to the joint standing committees of the General Assembly having cognizance of matters relating to public health, human services and appropriations and the budgets of state agencies identifying the increased target amount per discharge and the associated cost increase estimates.

      (1949, 1953, S. 1586d; 1961, P.A. 474, S. 2; 1967, P.A. 726, S. 1; 1969, P.A. 339, S. 1; P.A. 73-117, S. 23, 31; P.A. 77-574, S. 4, 6; P.A. 79-560, S. 26, 39; P.A. 81-472, S. 111, 159; P.A. 84-367, S. 1, 3; P.A. 85-482, S. 1, 2; P.A. 87-27, S. 1; 87-516, S. 1, 5; P.A. 88-156, S. 19; P.A. 89-296, S. 6, 9; June Sp. Sess. P.A. 91-8, S. 13, 43, 63; May Sp. Sess. P.A. 92-16, S. 25, 89; P.A. 93-262, S. 1, 87; May Sp. Sess. P.A. 94-5, S. 2, 30; P.A. 95-160, S. 25, 69; 95-306, S. 1, 7; 95-351, S. 28, 30; P.A. 96-139, S. 12, 13; P.A. 98-131, S. 1, 2; P.A. 99-279, S. 13, 14, 45; June Sp. Sess. P.A. 00-2, S. 15, 53; June Sp. Sess. P.A. 01-2, S. 11, 66, 69; June Sp. Sess. P.A. 01-3, S. 1, 2, 6; June Sp. Sess. P.A. 01-9, S. 119, 120, 121, 129, 131; May 9 Sp. Sess. P.A. 02-7, S. 57; June 30 Sp. Sess. P.A. 03-3, S. 67, 68; P.A. 04-258, S. 1, 3; May Sp. Sess. P.A. 04-2, S. 34; P.A. 05-280, S. 6; P.A. 06-188, S. 21.)

      History: 1961 act changed technical language, added standard of comparable charges to Subsec. (a), deleted requirement of Subsec. (b) that special services be professional and added Subsec. (c); 1967 act changed term "welfare" to "state" patients, restricted standard of comparable charges in Subsec. (a), made allowances for unpaid bills, working capital requirements and services development costs in determination of "actual cost" in Subsec. (c) and added Subsec. (d); 1969 act allowed alternative rates in Subsec. (a) based on charges for ward or semiprivate facilities and placed limit on rate for outpatient clinic visit in Subsec. (d); P.A. 73-117 replaced hospital cost commission with committee established in accordance with Sec. 17-311; P.A. 77-574 included allowances for costs associated with collective bargaining agreements in Subsec. (c); P.A. 79-560 replaced committee with commissioner of income maintenance; P.A. 81-472 made technical changes; P.A. 84-367 changed the basis of the rate from "actual" to "reasonable" cost and added Subsec. (e) setting rates for the inpatient care of patients who no longer require acute care; P.A. 85-482 amended Subsec. (d) by substituting "one hundred sixteen" per cent for "one hundred fifty" per cent of combined average fee of general practitioner and specialist for office visit as maximum rate for an outpatient clinic visit; P.A. 87-27 amended Subsec. (c) to exclude from "reasonable cost" amounts paid to employees, attorneys or consultants due to unionization disputes; P.A. 87-516 allowed the commissioner to establish a rate cap if he receives approval for a disproportionate share exemption pursuant to federal regulations; P.A. 88-156 added freestanding chronic disease hospitals providing services to persons aided or cared for by the state for routine services furnished to state patients and gave the commissioner the discretion to set a higher rate for hospitals serving a disproportionate share of indigent patients; P.A. 89-296 amended Subsec. (d) to prohibit the state from paying a hospital for services in excess of the charges made by the hospital for comparable services to the public, added a new Subsec. (e) requiring the commissioner to adopt regulations establishing criteria for defining emergency and nonemergency visits to hospital emergency rooms and relettered former Subsec. (e) as Subsec. (f); June Sp. Sess. P.A. 91-8 amended Subsec. (b) to add a provision re payment by the state of charges in excess of charges made when comparable service is rendered to the general public and amended Subsec. (d) re rates paid by the state for outpatient clinic, services, emergency room visits and outpatient hospital services paid on the basis of a ratio of cost to charges; May Sp. Sess. P.A. 92-16 amended Subsec. (d) by providing that emergency room visit rates in effect on June 30, 1991, shall remain in effect through June 30, 1993, except that those which would decrease on July 1, 1992, shall decrease; P.A. 93-262 authorized substitution of commissioner and department of social services for commissioner and department of income maintenance, effective July 1, 1993; May Sp. Sess. P.A. 94-5 amended Subsec. (d) to add a formula concerning outpatient hospital services paid on the basis of a ratio of cost to charges and required the commissioner to establish a fee schedule for outpatient hospital services, effective July 1, 1994; Sec. 17-312 transferred to Sec. 17b-239 in 1995; P.A. 95-160 amended Subsec. (a) by adding a provision for rates to be paid to freestanding chronic disease hospitals, effective July 1, 1995; P.A. 95-306 amended Subsec. (f) by prohibiting payment to an acute care general hospital for inpatient care of a patient if such patient is no longer in need of such care and is eligible for Medicare, unless Medicare reimbursement is not received for such care, effective July 1, 1995; P.A. 95-351 amended Subsec. (a) by providing that the commissioner use the "actual charge based on utilized service" instead of the "cost of service" when determining rates paid to freestanding chronic disease hospitals, effective July 1, 1995; P.A. 96-139 changed effective date of P.A. 95-160 but without affecting this section; P.A. 98-131 added new Subsec. (g) requiring commissioner to establish hospital inpatient rates, effective July 1, 1998; P.A. 99-279 amended Subsec. (d) to eliminate annual increases in the fee schedule for outpatient hospital services for the rate periods beginning July 1, 1999, and July 1, 2000, and amended Subsec. (g) to provide an exception for the rate period beginning October 1, 1998, from the application of the three per cent annual adjustment factor to the target amount per discharge, to prohibit the commissioner from applying an annual adjustment factor for succeeding rate periods, and to make a technical change, effective July 1, 1999; June Sp. Sess. P.A. 00-2 amended Subsec. (a) by deleting provisions re rates paid to freestanding chronic disease hospitals on and after July 1, 1995, and inserting provisions re rates paid to freestanding chronic disease hospitals and freestanding psychiatric hospitals, beginning July 1, 2000, and thereafter, effective July 1, 2000; June Sp. Sess. P.A. 01-2 amended Subsec. (a) to make a technical change for the purpose of gender neutrality, to require commissioner to use the rate of the highest-paid freestanding chronic disease hospital for any freestanding chronic disease hospital having more than an average of fifteen per cent of its inpatient days utilized as long-term ventilator patient days beginning for the rate period ending in 2001, in lieu of rate paid for period when determining rates paid on and after July 1, 2001, notwithstanding provisions of subsection, and to define term "long-term ventilator patient", effective July 1, 2001, and further amended Subsec. (a) to remove discretion of commissioner re determination of appropriate amount in the case of hospitals serving a disproportionate number share of indigent patients and to replace provisions re rates paid to freestanding chronic disease hospitals and freestanding psychiatric hospitals for rate period beginning July 1, 2001, effective July 2, 2001; June Sp. Sess. P.A. 01-3 amended Subsec. (d) by deleting provisions re rate for outpatient clinic visit and rate cap for outpatient clinics upon approval of disproportionate share exemption and adding provision re increase of fee schedule for rate period beginning July 1, 2001, and amended Subsec. (g) by deleting former provisions and adding provisions re establishment of inpatient hospital rates, effective July 1, 2001; June Sp. Sess. P.A. 01-9 amended Subsec. (d) to make ten and one-half per cent increase applicable to rate period beginning July 1, 2000, and effective June 1, 2001, and amended Subsec. (g) to make June 1, 2001, the date by which the commissioner is to establish inpatient hospital rates, effective July 1, 2001, and revised effective date of June Sp. Sess. P.A. 01-2 but without affecting this section; May 9 Sp. Sess. P.A. 02-7 amended Subsec. (a) by delaying from July 1, 2002, to January 1, 2003, a two per cent rate increase to a free standing chronic disease hospital and a free standing psychiatric hospital and maintaining effectiveness of existing rate until December 31, 2002, effective August 15, 2002; June 30 Sp. Sess. P.A. 03-3 amended Subsec. (d) to provide that outpatient rates in effect as of June 30, 2003, shall remain in effect through June 30, 2005, and amended Subsec. (g) by replacing "and October 1, 2002," with" through September 30, 2005," re period of time during which commissioner shall not apply an annual adjustment factor to target amount per discharge, effective August 20, 2003; P.A. 04-258 amended Subsec. (a) by providing that each freestanding chronic disease hospital shall receive a rate that is two per cent more than the rate it received in the prior fiscal year and amended Subsec. (g) by substituting September 30, 2004, for September 30, 2005, re time period during which the commissioner shall not apply an annual adjustment factor to the target amount per discharge and adding provisions re revised target amount per discharge for the periods commencing April 1, 2005, April 1, 2006, and April 1, 2007, effective July 1, 2004; May Sp. Sess. P.A. 04-2 amended Subsec. (g) by substituting March 31, 2008, for September 30, 2004, effective July 1, 2004; P.A. 05-280 amended Subsec. (g) by changing effective date for the four-thousand-dollar revised target amount per discharge from April 1, 2006, to October 1, 2006, and changing effective date for the four-thousand-two-hundred-fifty-dollar revised target amount per discharge from April 1, 2007, to October 1, 2007, effective July 1, 2005; P.A. 06-188 amended Subsec. (a) to make a technical change, amended Subsec. (d) to allow commissioner, within available appropriations, to increase outpatient service fees for services that include clinic, emergency room, magnetic resonance imaging and computerized axial tomography and thereafter report to the General Assembly on such fee increases and the associated cost increase estimates, and amended Subsec. (g) to substitute "September 30, 2006" for "March 31, 2008" re time period during which commissioner shall not apply annual adjustment factor to target amount per discharge, and to substitute former provisions re target amount per discharge that were to take effect October 1, 2006, and October 1, 2007, with new language re target amount per discharge to take effect on October 1, 2006, and reporting requirement on cost estimates for new target amount per discharge, effective July 1, 2006.

      Annotations to former section 17-312:

      Cited. 175 C. 49. Cited. 181 C. 130.

      Sec. 17b-239a. Payments to short-term general hospitals located in certain distressed municipalities and targeted investment communities with enterprise zones. The Department of Social Services may, within available funds, make payments to all short-term general hospitals located in distressed municipalities, as defined in section 32-9p, with a population greater than seventy thousand and to all short-term general hospitals located in targeted investment communities with enterprise zones, as defined in section 32-70, with a population greater than one hundred thousand. The payment amount for each hospital shall be determined by the Commissioner of Social Services based upon the ratio that the number of inpatient discharges paid by Medicaid on a fee-for-service basis to the hospital for the most recently filed cost report period bears to the total hospital discharges paid by Medicaid on a fee-for-service basis for all qualifying hospitals. Notwithstanding the provisions of this section, no payment shall be made to a facility licensed as a children's hospital.

      (June Sp. Sess. P.A. 01-3, S. 4, 6; June 30 Sp. Sess. P.A. 03-3, S. 66.)

      History: June Sp. Sess. P.A. 01-3 effective July 1, 2001; June 30 Sp. Sess. P.A. 03-3 removed provision which limited application of section to fiscal years ending June 30, 2002, and June 30, 2003, and added provision re payments to "all short-term general hospitals located in targeted investment communities with enterprise zones, as defined in section 32-70, with a population greater than one hundred thousand", effective August 20, 2003.

      Sec. 17b-239b. Chronic disease hospitals. Prior authorization procedures. Regulations. The Commissioner of Social Services shall establish prior authorization procedures under the Medicaid program for admissions and lengths of stay in chronic disease hospitals. The Commissioner of Social Services may contract with an entity for administration of any aspect of such prior authorization or may expand the scope of an existing contract with an entity that performs utilization review services on behalf of the Department of Social Services. The commissioner, pursuant to section 17b-10, may implement policies and procedures necessary to administer the provisions of this section while in the process of adopting such policies and procedures as regulations, provided the commissioner prints notice of intent to adopt regulations in the Connecticut Law Journal not later than twenty days after the date of implementation. Policies and procedures implemented pursuant to this section shall be valid until the time final regulations are adopted.

      (P.A. 05-209, S. 2; P.A. 06-196, S. 132.)

      History: P.A. 05-209 effective July 1, 2005; P.A. 06-196 made a technical change, effective June 7, 2006.

      Sec. 17b-240. (Formerly Sec. 17-312a). Payments to hospitals by the Office of Health Care Access. Notwithstanding the provisions of section 17b-239, the rate to be paid by the state to a hospital receiving appropriations granted by the General Assembly shall be established annually by the Office of Health Care Access pursuant to the provisions of chapter 368z, provided said office receives a waiver of Medicare principles of reimbursement from the Department of Health and Human Services pursuant to Section 222 of Public Law 92-603. This section shall be effective only for such period as said waiver remains in effect.

      (P.A. 78-250, S. 1, 2; P.A. 95-257, S. 39, 58.)

      History: Sec. 17-312a transferred to Sec. 17b-240 in 1995; P.A. 95-257 replaced Commission on Hospitals and Health Care with Office of Health Care Access, effective July 1, 1995.

      Annotation to former section 17-312a:

      Cited. 181 C. 130.

      Sec. 17b-241. (Formerly Sec. 17-312b). Payments to mental health and substance abuse residential facilities and free-standing detoxification centers. (a) Any rates established by the Commissioner of Social Services in effect February 1, 1991, for mental health and substance abuse residential facilities shall remain in effect through June 30, 1992, except those which would have been decreased effective July 1, 1991, shall be decreased. Any rate increases made during the fiscal year ending June 30, 1993, shall not exceed the most recent annual increase in the consumer price index for urban consumers.

      (b) Any rates established by the Commissioner of Social Services in effect February 1, 1991, for free-standing detoxification centers shall remain in effect through June 30, 1992, except those which would have been decreased effective July 1, 1991, shall be decreased. Any rate increases made during the fiscal years ending June 30, 1993, June 30, 1994, and June 30, 1995, shall not exceed the most recent annual increase in the consumer price index for urban consumers. Any free-standing detoxification center which has an established rate below the average and, due to a material change in circumstances resulting in financial hardship, is aggrieved by a rate determined pursuant to this subsection may, within ten days of receipt of written notice of such rate from the commissioner, request in writing a hearing on such rate. The commissioner shall, upon the receipt of all documentation necessary to evaluate the request, determine whether there has been such a change in circumstances and shall conduct a hearing if appropriate.

      (June Sp. Sess. P.A. 91-8, S. 16, 63; May Sp. Sess. P.A. 92-16, S. 33, 89; P.A. 93-262, S. 1, 87; 93-418, S. 23, 41.)

      History: May Sp. Sess. P.A. 92-16 amended Subsecs. (a) and (b) by adding provision to each requiring that any rate increases made during the fiscal year ending June 30, 1993, shall not exceed the most recent annual increase in the consumer price index for urban consumers; P.A. 93-262 authorized substitution of commissioner and department of social services for commissioner and department of income maintenance, effective July 1, 1993; P.A. 93-418 amended Subsec. (b) to make provisions applicable to the fiscal years ending June 30, 1994, and June 30, 1995 and added provision regarding free-standing detoxification centers' request for hearing on a rate established by the commissioner, effective July 1, 1993; Sec. 17-312b transferred to Sec. 17b-241 in 1995.

      Sec. 17b-241a. Payments to the Department of Mental Health and Addiction Services for targeted case management services. Notwithstanding any provision of the general statutes and the regulations of Connecticut state agencies, the Commissioner of Social Services may reimburse the Department of Mental Health and Addiction Services for targeted case management services that it provides to its target population, which, for purposes of this section, shall include individuals with severe and persistent psychiatric illness and individuals with persistent substance dependence.

      (June 30 Sp. Sess. P.A. 03-3, S. 88.)

      History: June 30 Sp. Sess. P.A. 03-3 effective August 30, 2003.

      Sec. 17b-242. (Formerly Sec. 17-313). Payments to home health care agencies and homemaker-home health aide agencies. Appeals. Hearings. Regulations. (a) The Department of Social Services shall determine the rates to be paid to home health care agencies and homemaker-home health aide agencies by the state or any town in the state for persons aided or cared for by the state or any such town. For the period from February 1, 1991, to January 31, 1992, inclusive, payment for each service to the state shall be based upon the rate for such service as determined by the Office of Health Care Access, except that for those providers whose Medicaid rates for the year ending January 31, 1991, exceed the median rate, no increase shall be allowed. For those providers whose rates for the year ending January 31, 1991, are below the median rate, increases shall not exceed the lower of the prior rate increased by the most recent annual increase in the consumer price index for urban consumers or the median rate. In no case shall any such rate exceed the eightieth percentile of rates in effect January 31, 1991, nor shall any rate exceed the charge to the general public for similar services. Rates effective February 1, 1992, shall be based upon rates as determined by the Office of Health Care Access, except that increases shall not exceed the prior year's rate increased by the most recent annual increase in the consumer price index for urban consumers and rates effective February 1, 1992, shall remain in effect through June 30, 1993. Rates effective July 1, 1993, shall be based upon rates as determined by the Office of Health Care Access except if the Medicaid rates for any service for the period ending June 30, 1993, exceed the median rate for such service, the increase effective July 1, 1993, shall not exceed one per cent. If the Medicaid rate for any service for the period ending June 30, 1993, is below the median rate, the increase effective July 1, 1993, shall not exceed the lower of the prior rate increased by one and one-half times the most recent annual increase in the consumer price index for urban consumers or the median rate plus one per cent. The Commissioner of Social Services shall establish a fee schedule for home health services to be effective on and after July 1, 1994. The commissioner may annually increase any fee in the fee schedule based on an increase in the cost of services. The commissioner shall increase the fee schedule for home health services provided under the Connecticut home-care program for the elderly established under section 17b-342, effective July 1, 2000, by two per cent over the fee schedule for home health services for the previous year. The commissioner may increase any fee payable to a home health care agency or homemaker-home health aide agency upon the application of such an agency evidencing extraordinary costs related to (1) serving persons with AIDS; (2) high-risk maternal and child health care; (3) escort services; or (4) extended hour services. In no case shall any rate or fee exceed the charge to the general public for similar services. A home health care agency or homemaker-home health aide agency which, due to any material change in circumstances, is aggrieved by a rate determined pursuant to this subsection may, within ten days of receipt of written notice of such rate from the Commissioner of Social Services, request in writing a hearing on all items of aggrievement. The commissioner shall, upon the receipt of all documentation necessary to evaluate the request, determine whether there has been such a change in circumstances and shall conduct a hearing if appropriate. The Commissioner of Social Services shall adopt regulations, in accordance with chapter 54, to implement the provisions of this subsection. The commissioner may implement policies and procedures to carry out the provisions of this subsection while in the process of adopting regulations, provided notice of intent to adopt the regulations is published in the Connecticut Law Journal within twenty days of implementing the policies and procedures. Such policies and procedures shall be valid for not longer than nine months.

      (b) The Department of Social Services shall monitor the rates charged by home health care agencies and homemaker-home health aide agencies. Such agencies shall file annual cost reports and service charge information with the department.

      (c) The home health services fee schedule shall include a fee for the administration of medication, which shall apply when the purpose of a nurse's visit is limited to the administration of medication. Administration of medication may include, but is not limited to, blood pressure checks, glucometer readings, pulse rate checks and similar indicators of health status. The fee for medication administration shall include administration of medications while the nurse is present, the pre-pouring of additional doses that the client will self-administer at a later time and the teaching of self-administration. The department shall not pay for medication administration in addition to any other nursing service at the same visit. The department may establish prior authorization requirements for this service. Before implementing such change, the Commissioner of Social Services shall consult with the chairpersons of the joint standing committees of the General Assembly having cognizance of matters relating to public health and human services.

      (d) The home health services fee schedule established pursuant to subsection (c) of this section shall include rates for psychiatric nurse visits.

      (e) The Department of Social Services, when processing or auditing claims for reimbursement submitted by home health care agencies and homemaker-home health aide agencies shall, in accordance with the provisions of chapter 15, accept electronic records and records bearing the electronic signature of a licensed physician or licensed practitioner of a healthcare profession that has been submitted to the home health care agency or homemaker home-health aide agency.

      (f) If the electronic record or signature that has been transmitted to a home health care agency or homemaker-home health aide agency is illegible or the department is unable to determine the validity of such electronic record or signature, the department shall review additional evidence of the accuracy or validity of the record or signature, including, but not limited to, (1) the original of the record or signature, or (2) a written statement, made under penalty of false statement, from (A) the licensed physician or licensed practitioner of a health care profession who signed such record, or (B) if such licensed physician or licensed practitioner of a health care profession is unavailable, the medical director of the agency verifying the accuracy or validity of such record or signature, and the department shall make a determination whether the electronic record or signature is valid.

      (g) The Department of Social Services, when auditing claims submitted by home health care agencies and homemaker-home health aide agencies, shall consider any signature from a licensed physician or licensed practitioner of a health care profession that may be required on a plan of care for home health services, to have been provided in timely fashion if (1) the document bearing such signature was signed prior to the time when such agency seeks reimbursement from the department for services provided, and (2) verbal or telephone orders from the licensed physician or licensed practitioner of a health care profession were received prior to the commencement of services covered by the plan of care and such orders were subsequently documented. Nothing in this subsection shall be construed as limiting the powers of the Commissioner of Public Health to enforce the provisions of sections 19-13-D73 and 19-13-D74 of the regulations of Connecticut state agencies and 42 CFR 484.18(c).

      (h) For purposes of this section, "licensed practitioner of a healthcare profession" has the same meaning as "licensed practitioner" in section 21a-244a.

      (1957, P.A. 539; P.A. 73-117, S. 24, 31; P.A. 78-264, S. 2, 4; P.A. 91-406, S. 5, 29; June Sp. Sess. P.A. 91-8, S. 20, 63; May Sp. Sess. P.A. 92-16, S. 26, 89; P.A. 93-262, S. 1, 20, 87; 93-418, S. 24, 41; 93-435, S. 59, 95; May Sp. Sess. P.A. 94-5, S. 22, 30; P.A. 95-257, S. 39, 58; 95-351, S. 14, 30; P.A. 96-268, S. 5, 34; P.A. 99-130; June Sp. Sess. P.A. 00-2, S. 16, 53; P.A. 02-101, S. 13; P.A. 03-2, S. 8; June 30 Sp. Sess. P.A. 03-6, S. 197; P.A. 05-118, S. 1; 05-272, S. 44.)

      History: P.A. 73-117 replaced hospital cost commission with committee established under Sec. 17-311; P.A. 78-264 replaced public health nursing agencies with home health care and homemaker-home health aide agencies and replaced previous rate provisions with statement that rate to be determined by commission on hospitals and health care; P.A. 91-406 corrected an internal reference; June Sp. Sess. P.A. 91-8 amended the section by replacing "state" with the specific departments, by specifying the rates paid by the state to home health care agencies and homemaker-home health aide agencies and by adding provisions re the appeal of a rate determination; May Sp. Sess. P.A. 92-16 provided that rates in effect on February 1, 1992, shall remain in effect through June 30, 1993; P.A. 93-262 removed the references to departments of income maintenance, human resources and aging and provided that the department of social services shall determine rates to be charged home health care agencies and homemaker-home health aide agencies, made technical changes and added provisions requiring commissioner to adopt regulations, effective July 1, 1993; P.A. 93-418 added provisions regarding rates effective July 1, 1993, which are determined by the commission on hospitals and health care and authorizing income maintenance commissioner to establish fee schedule on and after July 1, 1994, effective July 1, 1993; P.A. 93-435 authorized the Revisors to substitute social services commissioner for income maintenance commissioner in P.A. 93-418, effective June 28, 1993; May Sp. Sess. P.A. 94-5 allowed the fee schedule to be phased in over a two-year period and allowed the commissioner to increase any fee payable to a home health care agency or homemaker-home health aide agency if there are extraordinary costs, effective July 1, 1994; Sec. 17-313 transferred to Sec. 17b-242 in 1995; P.A. 95-257 replaced Commission on Hospitals and Health Care with Office of Health Care Access, effective July 1, 1995; P.A. 95-351 added Subdiv. (4) allowing the commissioner to increase any fee payable for extraordinary costs relating to extended hour services, effective July 1, 1995 (Revisor's note: In the first sentence the phrase "rates to be charged by home health care agencies and the rates to be paid" was changed editorially by the Revisors to read "rates to be charged by home health care agencies and homemaker-home health aide agencies and the rates to be paid" to correct a clerical error in the preparation of the 1995 General Statutes); P.A. 96-268 added reference to homemaker-home health aide agencies, effective July 1, 1996; P.A. 99-130 designated existing language as Subsec. (a), eliminating the responsibility of the department to determine rates to be charged by home health care agencies and homemaker-home health aide agencies and added Subsec. (b) requiring the department to monitor the rates charged by such agencies, requiring such agencies to file annual cost reports and service charge information with the department, and made technical changes; June Sp. Sess. P.A. 00-2 amended Subsec. (a) by deleting provision re phasing in the fee schedule over a two-year period and inserting provision requiring the commissioner to increase by two per cent the fee schedule for home health care services provided under the Connecticut home-care program for the elderly, effective July 1, 2000; P.A. 02-101 amended Subsec. (a) to make a technical change, effective July 1, 2002; P.A. 03-2 added Subsec. (c) re establishment of home health services fee schedule applicable when purpose of nurse's visit is limited to administration of medication, effective February 28, 2003; June 30 Sp. Sess. P.A. 03-6 added Subsec. (d) re rates for psychiatric nurse visits, effective August 20, 2003; P.A. 05-118 added Subsec. (e) allowing for submission of electronic records and records bearing electronic signatures by agencies to department with respect to the processing and auditing of claims for reimbursement and Subsec. (f) re the timely signature of a health care professional on a plan of care for home health services submitted to department; P.A. 05-272 amended Subsec. (e) by requiring department to accept electronic records and signatures of licensed physicians or licensed health care practitioners that have been submitted to an agency, rather than signatures of "an individual duly authorized by any such agency to submit records to the department", added new Subsec. (f) re process for reviewing and validating illegible electronic records or signatures transmitted to home health care agencies or homemaker-home health aide agencies, redesignated existing Subsec. (f) as Subsec. (g), designating provisions therein re document bearing signature as Subdiv. (1) and replacing "provided to such agency" with "signed", added Subsec. (g)(2) re timeliness of signatures from licensed physicians or licensed practitioners of a health care profession in cases involving verbal or telephone orders and re Department of Public Health's powers to enforce specified state and federal regulations concerning patients' care plans and medication administration are not limited by Subsec. (g), and added Subsec. (h) defining "licensed practitioner of a healthcare profession".

      Sec. 17b-242a. Medicaid home health services. Prior authorization requirements. Regulations. The Commissioner of Social Services shall establish prior authorization procedures under the Medicaid program for home health services, such that prior authorization shall be required for skilled nursing visits that exceed two per week and for home health aide visits that exceed fourteen hours per week, except that no provider shall be required to submit a prior authorization request for a home health service for the same client more than once a month. The Commissioner of Social Services may contract with an entity for administration of any such aspect of prior authorization or may expand the scope of an existing contract with an entity that performs utilization review services on behalf of the department. The commissioner, pursuant to section 17b-10, may implement policies and procedures necessary to administer the provisions of this section while in the process of adopting such policies and procedures as regulations, provided the commissioner prints notice of intent to adopt regulations in the Connecticut Law Journal not later than twenty days after the date of implementation. Policies and procedures implemented pursuant to this section shall be valid until the time final regulations are adopted.

      (P.A. 05-280, S. 46; P.A. 06-188, S. 15; 06-196, S. 133.)

      History: P.A. 05-280 effective July 1, 2005; P.A. 06-188 added prior authorization requirement for home health aide visits that exceed fourteen hours per week, added exception that providers shall not be required to submit a prior authorization request for a home health service for the same client more than once a month and deleted provision re revisions to a prior authorization request previously received during the month, effective July 1, 2006; P.A. 06-196 made a technical change, effective June 7, 2006.

      Sec. 17b-243. (Formerly Sec. 17-313a). Payments to rehabilitation centers. (a) The rate to be paid by the state to rehabilitation centers, including but not limited to, centers affiliated with the Easter Seal Society of Connecticut, Inc., for services to patients referred by any state agency, except employment opportunities and day services, as defined in section 17a-246, shall be determined annually by the Commissioner of Social Services who shall prescribe uniform forms on which such rehabilitation centers shall report their costs, except that rates effective April 30, 1989, shall remain in effect through May 31, 1990, and rates in effect February 1, 1991, shall remain in effect through December 31, 1992, except those which would be decreased effective January 1, 1992, shall be decreased. For the rate years beginning January 1, 1993, through December 31, 1995, any rate increase shall not exceed the most recent annual increase in the consumer price index for urban consumers. Such rates shall be determined on the basis of a reasonable payment for necessary services rendered. Nothing contained herein shall authorize a payment by the state to any such rehabilitation center in excess of the charges made by such center for comparable services to the general public. The Commissioner of Social Services shall establish a fee schedule for rehabilitation services to be effective on and after January 1, 1996. The fee schedule may be adjusted annually beginning July 1, 1997, to reflect necessary increases in the cost of services.

      (b) The amount to be paid by the state to rehabilitation centers including but not limited to centers affiliated with the Easter Seal Society of Connecticut, Inc., for employment opportunities and day services to patients referred by any state agency shall be determined annually using a uniform payment system in accordance with the provisions of subsection (a) of section 17a-246.

      (1969, P.A. 346, S. 1; P.A. 73-117, S. 25, 31; P.A. 79-560, S. 27, 39; P.A. 80-483, S. 174, 186; P.A. 89-325, S. 13, 26; June Sp. Sess. P.A. 91-8, S. 14, 63; May Sp. Sess. P.A. 92-16, S. 27, 89; P.A. 93-262, S. 1, 87; 93-418, S. 25, 41; P.A. 95-160, S. 66, 69; P.A. 96-139, S. 12, 13.)

      History: P.A. 73-117 replaced hospital cost commission with committee established under Sec. 17-311; P.A. 79-560 replaced the committee with commissioner of income maintenance; P.A. 80-483 deleted "for Crippled Children and Adults" in Easter Seal Society name; P.A. 89-325 amended Subsec. (a) to exclude centers that provide employment opportunities and day services from the rate setting in this section, it also allows rates effective April 30, 1989, to remain in effect through May 31, 1990, and added a new Subsec. (b) re rates for centers providing employment opportunities and day services; June Sp. Sess. P.A. 91-8 amended Subsec. (a) re rates paid by the state for rehabilitation centers; May Sp. Sess. P.A. 92-16 amended Subsec. (a) by providing that for the rate year beginning January 1, 1993, any rate increase shall not exceed the most recent annual increase in the consumer price index for urban consumers. P.A. 93-262 authorized substitution of commissioner and department of social services for commissioner and department of income maintenance, effective July 1, 1993; P.A. 93-418 amended Subsec. (a) concerning rate increases and the consumer price index to specify applicability for any succeeding rate year after January 1, 1993, effective July 1, 1993; Sec. 17-313a transferred to Sec. 17b-243 in 1995; P.A. 95-160 amended Subsec. (a) by replacing "any succeeding year" with "December 31, 1995" for the period of time after January 1, 1993, which shall not have a rate increase exceeding the most recent annual increase in the consumer price index for urban consumers and by adding a provision requiring the commissioner to establish a fee schedule for rehabilitation services to be effective on and after January 1, 1996, effective June 1, 1995; P.A. 96-139 changed effective date of P.A. 95-160 but without affecting this section.

      Sec. 17b-244. (Formerly Sec. 17-313b). Payments to private facilities providing functional or vocational services for severely handicapped persons and payments for residential care. Establishment of rate. Regulations. (a) The room and board component of the rates to be paid by the state to private facilities and facilities operated by regional education service centers which are licensed to provide residential care pursuant to section 17a-227, but not certified to participate in the Title XIX Medicaid program as intermediate care facilities for persons with mental retardation, shall be determined annually by the Commissioner of Social Services, except that rates effective April 30, 1989, shall remain in effect through October 31, 1989. Any facility with real property other than land placed in service prior to July 1, 1991, shall, for the fiscal year ending June 30, 1995, receive a rate of return on real property equal to the average of the rates of return applied to real property other than land placed in service for the five years preceding July 1, 1993. For the fiscal year ending June 30, 1996, and any succeeding fiscal year, the rate of return on real property for property items shall be revised every five years. The commissioner shall, upon submission of a request by such facility, allow actual debt service, comprised of principal and interest, on the loan or loans in lieu of property costs allowed pursuant to section 17-313b-5 of the regulations of Connecticut state agencies, whether actual debt service is higher or lower than such allowed property costs, provided such debt service terms and amounts are reasonable in relation to the useful life and the base value of the property. In the case of facilities financed through the Connecticut Housing Finance Authority, the commissioner shall allow actual debt service, comprised of principal, interest and a reasonable repair and replacement reserve on the loan or loans in lieu of property costs allowed pursuant to section 17-313b-5 of the regulations of Connecticut state agencies, whether actual debt service is higher or lower than such allowed property costs, provided such debt service terms and amounts are determined by the commissioner at the time the loan is entered into to be reasonable in relation to the useful life and base value of the property. The commissioner may allow fees associated with mortgage refinancing provided such refinancing will result in state reimbursement savings, after comparing costs over the terms of the existing proposed loans. For the fiscal year ending June 30, 1992, the inflation factor used to determine rates shall be one-half of the gross national product percentage increase for the period between the midpoint of the cost year through the midpoint of the rate year. For fiscal year ending June 30, 1993, the inflation factor used to determine rates shall be two-thirds of the gross national product percentage increase from the midpoint of the cost year to the midpoint of the rate year. For the fiscal years ending June 30, 1996, and June 30, 1997, no inflation factor shall be applied in determining rates. The Commissioner of Social Services shall prescribe uniform forms on which such facilities shall report their costs. Such rates shall be determined on the basis of a reasonable payment for necessary services. Any increase in grants, gifts, fund-raising or endowment income used for the payment of operating costs by a private facility in the fiscal year ending June 30, 1992, shall be excluded by the commissioner from the income of the facility in determining the rates to be paid to the facility for the fiscal year ending June 30, 1993, provided any operating costs funded by such increase shall not obligate the state to increase expenditures in subsequent fiscal years. Nothing contained in this section shall authorize a payment by the state to any such facility in excess of the charges made by the facility for comparable services to the general public. The service component of the rates to be paid by the state to private facilities and facilities operated by regional education service centers which are licensed to provide residential care pursuant to section 17a-227, but not certified to participate in the Title XIX Medicaid programs as intermediate care facilities for persons with mental retardation, shall be determined annually by the Commissioner of Mental Retardation in accordance with section 17b-244a.

      (b) The Commissioner of Social Services and the Commissioner of Mental Retardation shall adopt regulations in accordance with the provisions of chapter 54 to implement the provisions of this section.

      (1971, P.A. 560, S. 1; P.A. 73-117, S. 26, 31; P.A. 79-227; 79-560, S. 28, 39; June Sp. Sess. P.A. 83-39, S. 1, 2, 18; P.A. 84-546, S. 54, 173; P.A. 88-71; P.A. 89-325, S. 14, 26; June Sp. Sess. P.A. 91-8, S. 15, 63; June Sp. Sess. P.A. 91-11, S. 11, 25; May Sp. Sess. P.A. 92-16, S. 28, 89; P.A. 93-262, S. 1, 87; May Sp. Sess. P.A. 94-5, S. 11, 30; P.A. 95-160, S. 65, 69; P.A. 96-139, S. 12, 13; 96-188, S. 1, 2; June 30 Sp. Sess. P.A. 03-3, S. 81; P.A. 05-256, S. 11.)

      History: P.A. 73-117 replaced hospital cost commission with committee established under Sec. 17-311; P.A. 79-227 replaced committee with commissioner of income maintenance, included payments to community residences and changed Association for Retarded Children to Association for Retarded Citizens; P.A. 79-560 deleted reference to Sec. 17-311; June Sp. Sess. P.A. 83-39 provided for payment to private nonprofit facilities providing functional and vocational services for severely handicapped persons and to private facilities operated by regional education service centers providing residential care and added Subsec. (b) re establishment of separate rate (Revisor's note: Subsec. (c) was added editorially by the Revisors); P.A. 84-546 confirmed Revisors' action in editorially adding Subsec. (c) re adoption of regulations; P.A. 88-71 substantially rewrote section to empower commissioner of mental retardation to establish service component of rates where previously commissioner of income maintenance had set all rates and commissioner of mental retardation had performed a consultative role; P.A. 89-325 allowed rates in effect April 30, 1989, to remain in effect through October 31, 1989, and also deleted language re rates to be paid to private nonprofit facilities in Subsec. (a); June Sp. Sess. P.A. 91-8 amended Subsec. (a) re rates paid by the state to private facilities providing functional or vocational services for severely handicapped persons and clients of residential care facilities; June Sp. Sess. P.A. 91-11 amended Subsec. (a) to prohibit the department of income maintenance from considering any grants, gifts, fund-raising or endowment income used during the preceding year for payment of operating costs by a private facility in determining the facility's rates for fiscal year 1992-93; May Sp. Sess. P.A. 92-16 amended Subsec. (a) by providing that for the fiscal year ending June 30, 1993, the inflation factor used to determine rates shall be two-thirds of the gross national product percentage increase from the midpoint of the cost year to the midpoint of the rate year (Revisor's note: In Subsec. (a) in the sentence beginning "For the fiscal year ending June 30, 1992," the words "period between the" were inserted before the word "midpoint" and the words "cost year through the midpoint of the" were inserted before the words "rate year" editorially by the Revisors to reinstate existing language omitted through clerical error); P.A. 93-262 authorized substitution of commissioner and department of social services for commissioner and department of income maintenance, effective July 1, 1993; May Sp. Sess. P.A. 94-5 amended Subsec. (a) to establish a formula for rates of return for real property for facilities with real property other than land placed in service prior to July 1, 1991, effective July 1, 1994; Sec. 17-313b transferred to Sec. 17b-244 in 1995; P.A. 95-160 amended Subsec. (a) by adding a provision that for fiscal years ending June 30, 1996, and June 30, 1997, no inflation factor shall be applied in determining rates, effective June 1, 1995; P.A. 96-139 changed effective date of P.A. 95-160 but without affecting this section; P.A. 96-188 provided that the commissioner shall allow, upon request of a facility, actual debt service whether higher or lower than allowed property costs, provided that, in the case of facilities financed through the Connecticut Housing Finance Authority, the commissioner shall allow actual debt service whether higher or lower than allowed property costs, provided such debt service terms and amounts are determined by the commissioner at the time the loan is entered into to be reasonable in relation to the useful life and base value of the property and made a technical change, effective May 31, 1996; June 30 Sp. Sess. P.A. 03-3 amended Subsec. (a) to add provision re allowance of fees associated with mortgage refinancing provided such refinancing results in state reimbursement savings, effective August 20, 2003; P.A. 05-256 amended Subsec. (a) to include reference to Sec. 17b-244a, effective July 1, 2005.

      Sec. 17b-244a. Rates for payments to residential facilities for mentally retarded and autistic persons. In determining the service component of the rates to be paid by the state under sections 17b-244 and 17b-246 to private facilities and facilities operated by regional education service centers that are licensed to provide residential care pursuant to section 17a-227, but not certified to participate in the Title XIX Medicaid programs as intermediate care facilities for persons with mental retardation, the Commissioner of Mental Retardation shall consider for each facility the actual wage and benefit costs for services and service providers, adjusted for inflation, and said commissioner shall not establish a single fixed amount for wage and benefit costs that is applicable to all such facilities.

      (P.A. 05-256, S. 10.)

      History: P.A. 05-256 effective July 1, 2005.

      Sec. 17b-245. (Formerly Sec. 17-313c). Payments to day care and vocational training programs sponsored by certain associations. (a) The rates to be paid by the state to the day care and vocational training programs sponsored by the associations affiliated with United Cerebral Palsy of Connecticut, Inc., Epilepsy Foundation of America, Inc., Goodwill Industries of America, Inc. and to any private, nonprofit agency providing such programs for autistic or neurologically impaired persons, for services to clients referred by any state agency, except employment opportunities and day services, as defined in section 17a-246, shall be determined annually by the Commissioner of Social Services who shall prescribe uniform forms on which such day care and vocational training programs shall report their costs, except that rates effective April 30, 1989, shall remain in effect through May 31, 1990. Such rates shall be determined on the basis of a reasonable payment for necessary services rendered. Nothing contained herein shall authorize a payment by the state to any such day care or vocational training program in excess of the charges made by such programs for comparable services to the general public.

      (b) The amount to be paid by the state to the day care and vocational training programs sponsored by the associations affiliated with United Cerebral Palsy of Connecticut, Inc., Epilepsy Foundation of America, Inc., Goodwill Industries of America, Inc. and to any private, nonprofit agency providing such programs for autistic or neurologically impaired or severely handicapped persons, for employment opportunities and day services to clients referred by any state agency shall be determined annually using a uniform payment system in accordance with the provisions of subsection (a) of section 17a-246.

      (P.A. 77-371; P.A. 79-560, S. 29, 39; P.A. 89-325, S. 15, 26; P.A. 93-262, S. 1, 87.)

      History: P.A. 79-560 replaced committee established under Sec. 17-311 with commissioner of income maintenance; P.A. 89-325 added reference to employment opportunities and day services in Sec. 19a-483d and allowed rates effective April 30, 1989, to remain in effect through May 31, 1990, in Subsec. (a) and added a new Subsec. (b) re rates to day care and vocational training programs; P.A. 93-262 authorized substitution of commissioner and department of social services for commissioner and department of income maintenance, effective July 1, 1993; Sec. 17-313c transferred to Sec. 17b-245 in 1995.

      Sec. 17b-245a. Payments to federally qualified health centers. On and after April 1, 1996, in the determination of rates for federally qualified health centers, the Commissioner of Social Services shall apply Medicare productivity standards and a maximum allowable per visit cost of one hundred fifteen per cent of the median cost per visit.

      (P.A. 95-160, S. 67, 69; P.A. 96-139, S. 12, 13.)

      History: P.A. 95-160, S. 67 effective June 1, 1995; P.A. 96-139 changed effective date of P.A. 95-160 but without affecting this section.

      Sec. 17b-245b. Federally qualified health centers. Reimbursement methodology in the Medicaid program. The Commissioner of Social Services shall, consistent with federal law, make changes to the cost-based reimbursement methodology in the Medicaid program for federally qualified health centers. On or before March 1, 2004, the commissioner shall report to the joint standing committees of the General Assembly having cognizance of matters relating to appropriations and the budgets of state agencies and human services on the status of the changes to the cost-based reimbursement methodology.

      (June 30 Sp. Sess. P.A. 03-3, S. 85.)

      History: June 30 Sp. Sess. P.A. 03-3 effective August 20, 2003.

      Sec. 17b-246. (Formerly Sec. 17-313d). Rates to include reimbursement for reasonable costs mandated by collective bargaining agreements. For purposes of establishing rates to be paid by the state (1) to private facilities which provide functional, vocational services or residential services for severely handicapped persons pursuant to section 17b-244, and (2) to associations which provide day care and vocational training programs pursuant to section 17b-245, the state shall include reimbursement for reasonable costs, within available appropriations, mandated by collective bargaining agreements with certified collective bargaining agents or other agreements between any such facility or association and its employees.

      (P.A. 87-497, S. 1, 3.)

      History: Sec. 17-313d transferred to Sec. 17b-246 in 1995.

      Sec. 17b-247. (Formerly Sec. 17-314l). Contracts for stock and standard durable medical equipment. Payment of laboratory services. The Commissioner of Social Services shall, where feasible and cost effective, enter into contracts with suppliers of stock and standard durable medical equipment, medical surgical supplies, oxygen and laboratory services for such services provided to recipients of medical assistance excluding those services provided by hospitals or routinely provided by nursing homes as part of their rate. In the case of laboratory services billed through a hospital outpatient clinic, payment shall be made at the lower of the provider's charges to the general public or the contracted rate. Except for hospital based laboratory work and those laboratory tests specifically exempted by the commissioner, no payment shall be made for laboratory services except under contract, where feasible. Except for those facilities specifically exempted by the commissioner, all oxygen services for residents of nursing facilities and chronic disease hospitals shall be supplied through such a contract.

      (June Sp. Sess. P.A. 91-8, S. 11, 63; P.A. 93-262, S. 1, 87.)

      History: P.A. 93-262 authorized substitution of commissioner and department of social services for commissioner and department of income maintenance, effective July 1, 1993; Sec. 17-314l transferred to Sec. 17b-247 in 1995.

      Sec. 17b-248. (Formerly Sec. 17-316). Liability of home or institution having life care contract. No home or institution having a life care contract with any person therein shall be liable for the support of such person in a state humane institution if such home or institution is financially unable to continue performance of the life care contract, as set forth in section 17b-602, provided such home or institution shall be liable to the extent of its ability as determined by the Commissioner of Social Services under the provisions of said section.

      (1957, P.A. 184; P.A. 75-420, S. 4, 6; P.A. 77-614, S. 608, 610; P.A. 93-262, S. 1, 87.)

      History: P.A. 75-420 replaced welfare commissioner with commissioner of social services; P.A. 77-614 replaced commissioner of social services with commissioner of income maintenance, effective January 1, 1979; P.A. 93-262 authorized substitution of commissioner and department of social services for commissioner and department of income maintenance, effective July 1, 1993; Sec. 17-316 transferred to Sec. 17b-248 in 1995.

      Sec. 17b-249. (Formerly Sec. 17-317). Support of mentally ill persons accused of crime. When any person, charged with any offense punishable by fine or imprisonment or both, has been found not guilty because of mental illness and, by reason of such mental illness, has been committed for confinement or treatment to any institution supported in whole or in part by the state, the expense for the support and treatment of such person while so committed shall be charged to the state.

      (1949 Rev., S. 2664; 1953, S. 1501d; March, 1958, P.A. 27, S. 6; P.A. 85-506, S. 27, 32.)

      History: P.A. 85-506 required that support and treatment expenses be charged to state rather than "computed and paid for in the same manner as is provided in this chapter for patients committed by courts of probate"; Sec. 17-317 transferred to Sec. 17b-249 in 1995.

      Annotations to former section 17-317:

      Held in violation of equal protection provisions of federal and state constitutions. 192 C. 520. Held unconstitutional. Id., 532. Cited. 225 C. 528. Cited. 230 C. 400.

      Does not pertain if accused never stood trial. 14 CS 33.

      Sec. 17b-250. (Formerly Sec. 17-318). Payment of hospital expense of inmate transferred from correctional institution. When any person has been transferred from the Connecticut Correctional Institution, Somers, the Connecticut Correctional Institution, Niantic, or its maximum security division, the John R. Manson Youth Institution, Cheshire, or a community correctional center to a state hospital, such person's hospital expense prior to the termination of his sentence shall be charged to the state. If any person, transferred from a correctional institution or community correction center is committed to or otherwise remains in a state hospital after the expiration of his sentence, such person's hospital expense shall be paid to the state in the manner provided for payment in sections 17b-122, 17b-124 to 17b-132, inclusive, 17b-136 to 17b-138, inclusive, 17b-194 to 17b-197, inclusive, 17b-222 to 17b-250, inclusive, 17b-256, 17b-263, 17b-340 to 17b-350, inclusive, 17b-689b and 17b-743 to 17b-747, inclusive.

      (1949 Rev., S. 2670; 1953, S. 1504d; 1959, P.A. 165; 1969, P.A. 297; P.A. 75-416, S. 1, 3; P.A. 86-186, S. 7; June 30 Sp. Sess. P.A. 03-3, S. 97; P.A. 04-76, S. 52.)

      History: 1959 act deleted requirement for payment to state of other necessary costs of commitment when person is committed to state hospital after expiration of his sentence; 1969 act substituted "community correctional center" for "jail"; P.A. 75-416 provided that state bear cost when person transferred to state hospital from community correctional centers, previously person's estate bore cost if there was an estate; P.A. 86-186 changed the name of the Connecticut Correctional Institution, Cheshire to the John R. Manson Youth Institution, Cheshire; Sec. 17-318 transferred to Sec. 17b-250 in 1995; (Revisor's note: In 1999 the references to "17b-115 to 17b-138" and "17b-689 to 17b-693, inclusive," were changed editorially by the Revisors to "17b-116 to 17b-138" and "17b-689, 17b-689b", respectively, to reflect the repeal of certain sections by section 164 of June 18 Sp. Sess. P.A. 97-2); June 30 Sp. Sess. P.A. 03-3, in repealing Secs. 17b-19, 17b-62 to 17b-65, inclusive, 17b-116, 17b-116a, 17b-116b, 17b-117, 17b-120, 17b-121, 17b-123, 17b-134, 17b-135, 17b-220, 17b-259 and 17b-287, authorized deletion of internal references to said sections in this section, effective March 1, 2004; P.A. 04-76 deleted references to Secs. 17b-118b and 17b-221 that were repealed by the same act.

      Annotations to former section 17-318:

      Cited. 192 C. 520. Cited. 230 C. 400.

      Cited. 30 CS 118.

      Sec. 17b-251. (Formerly Sec. 17a-307). Connecticut Partnership for Long-Term Care: Outreach program established. The Department of Social Services shall establish an outreach program to educate consumers as to: (1) The need for long-term care; (2) mechanisms for financing such care; (3) the availability of long-term care insurance; and (4) the asset protection provided under sections 17b-252 to 17b-254, inclusive, and 38a-475. The Department of Social Services shall provide public information to assist individuals in choosing appropriate insurance coverage.

      (P.A. 89-352, S. 4, 6; P.A. 93-262, S. 1, 87.)

      History: P.A. 93-262 authorized substitution of commissioner and department of social services for commissioner and department on aging, effective July 1, 1993; Sec. 17a-307 transferred to Sec. 17b-251 in 1995.

      See Sec. 17b-252 re overview of program.

      See Sec. 17b-253 re amendments to Medicaid regulations and state plan, and regulations re determining eligibility of applicants for Medicaid and coverage requirements for long-term care benefits.

      See Sec. 17b-254 re foundation funds and federal approval and report to General Assembly.

      See Sec. 38a-475 re precertification of long-term care insurance policies.

      Sec. 17b-252. (Formerly Sec. 17-12q). Connecticut Partnership for Long-Term Care. The Office of Policy and Management shall coordinate a program entitled the Connecticut Partnership for Long-Term Care whereby private insurance and Medicaid, or its successor program, funds shall be combined to finance long-term care. Under such program, an individual may purchase a precertified long-term care insurance policy in an amount commensurate with his assets. Notwithstanding any provision of the general statutes, the resources of such an individual, to the extent such resources are equal to the amount of long-term care insurance benefit payments as provided in section 17b-253, shall not be considered by the Department of Social Services in a determination of his eligibility for Medicaid, or its successor program, or in any subsequent recovery by the state of a payment for medical services.

      (P.A. 89-352, S. 1, 6; P.A. 91-187, S. 1, 4; P.A. 93-262, S. 1, 87; P.A. 94-167, S. 1, 4; P.A. 96-131, S. 1, 3.)

      History: P.A. 91-187 changed closing date of program from July 1, 1995, to July 1, 1997, and deleted provision providing that resources protected under the program not be considered in determining the amount of any Medicaid payment; P.A. 93-262 authorized substitution of commissioner and department of social services for commissioner and department of income maintenance, effective July 1, 1993; P.A. 94-167 deleted dates for program beginning and end and the word pilot before program, effective June 7, 1994; Sec. 17-12q transferred to Sec. 17b-252 in 1995; P.A. 96-131 inserted references to Medicaid's "successor program", effective May 29, 1996.

      See Sec. 17b-251 re outreach program.

      See Sec. 17b-253 re amendments to Medicaid regulations and state plan, and regulations re determining eligibility of applicants for Medicaid and coverage requirements for long-term care benefits.

      See Sec. 17b-254 re foundation funds and federal approval and report to General Assembly.

      See Sec. 38a-475 re precertification of long-term care insurance policies.

      Sec. 17b-253. (Formerly Sec. 17-12r). Connecticut Partnership for Long-Term Care: Amendments to Medicaid regulations and state plan. Regulations. (a) The Department of Social Services shall seek appropriate amendments to its Medicaid regulations and state plan to allow protection of resources and income pursuant to section 17b-252. Such protection shall be provided, to the extent approved by the federal Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services, for any purchaser of a precertified long-term care policy and shall last for the life of the purchaser. Such protection shall be provided under the Medicaid program or its successor program. Any purchaser of a precertified long-term care policy shall be guaranteed coverage under the Medicaid program or its successor program, to the extent the individual meets all applicable eligibility requirements for the Medicaid program or its successor program. Until such time as eligibility requirements are prescribed for Medicaid's successor program, for the purposes of this subsection, the applicable eligibility requirements shall be the Medicaid program's requirements as of the date its successor program was enacted. The Department of Social Services shall count insurance benefit payments toward resource exclusion to the extent such payments (1) are for services paid for by a precertified long-term care policy; (2) are for the lower of the actual charge and the amount paid by the insurance company; (3) are for nursing home care, or formal services delivered to insureds in the community as part of a care plan approved by an access agency approved by the Office of Policy and Management and the Department of Social Services as meeting the requirements for such agency as defined in regulations adopted pursuant to subsection (e) of section 17b-342; and (4) are for services provided after the individual meets the coverage requirements for long-term care benefits established by the Department of Social Services for this program. The Commissioner of Social Services shall adopt regulations, in accordance with chapter 54, to implement the provisions of this subsection and sections 17b-251, 17b-252, 17b-254 and 38a-475 relating to determining eligibility of applicants for Medicaid, or its successor program, and the coverage requirements for long-term care benefits.

      (b) The Commissioner of Social Services, after consultation with the Secretary of the Office of Policy and Management, may enter into reciprocal agreements with other states to extend the resource exclusions under section 17b-252 and subsection (a) of this section to purchasers of qualified long-term care insurance policies issued in states entering into such reciprocal agreements if such purchasers apply to the Medicaid program or its successor program. Such reciprocal agreements shall also allow purchasers of precertified policies under section 38a-475 to receive a Medicaid resource exclusion in states entering into such reciprocal agreements. The provisions of such reciprocal agreements shall be effective for the life of a purchaser of a precertified policy. For the purposes of this subsection, "qualified long-term care insurance policy" means a long-term care insurance policy approved through a program in another state that provides a Medicaid resource exclusion or asset disregard substantially similar to the Medicaid resource exclusion included in precertified policies and includes benefits substantially similar to those included in a precertified policy.

      (P.A. 89-352, S. 2, 6; P.A. 91-187, S. 2, 4; P.A. 93-262, S. 1, 87; P.A. 94-167, S. 2, 4; P.A. 95-160, S. 6, 69; P.A. 96-131, S. 2, 3; 96-139, S. 12, 13; P.A. 98-239, S. 21, 35; P.A. 03-19, S. 40.)

      History: P.A. 91-187 changed deadline for purchasing policy providing protection under the program from December 31, 1994, to December 31, 1996; P.A. 93-262 authorized substitution of commissioner and department of social services for commissioner and department of income maintenance, effective July 1, 1993; P.A. 94-167 removed deadline for purchasing policy, effective June 7, 1994; Sec. 17-12r transferred to Sec. 17b-253 in 1995; P.A. 95-160 replaced a reference to a coordination, assessment and monitoring agency with access agency, effective July 1, 1995; P.A. 96-131 inserted references to Medicaid's "successor program", required such successor program to provide protection of resources and income provided by Medicaid, guaranteed coverage under the Medicaid program or its successor program for any purchaser of a precertified long-term care policy, with certain eligibility requirements, amended Subdiv. (1) to replace "Medicaid approves or covers for its recipients" with "paid for by a precertified long-term care policy", effective May 29, 1996; P.A. 96-139 changed effective date of P.A. 95-160 but without affecting this section; P.A. 98-239 made technical changes in existing section, designated as Subsec. (a), and added Subsec. (b) allowing commissioner, after consulting with the Secretary of the Office of Policy and Management, to enter into reciprocal agreements with other states to extend the resource exclusions under the program to purchasers of qualified long-term care insurance policies issued in those states if such purchasers apply to the Medicaid program, providing that such reciprocal agreements shall allow purchasers of precertified policies under Sec. 38a-475 to receive a Medicaid resource exclusion in states which enter into such agreements and defining "qualified long-term care insurance policy", effective June 8, 1998; P.A. 03-19 replaced "Health Care Financing Administration" with "Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services" in Subsec. (a), effective May 12, 2003.

      See Sec. 17b-251 re outreach program.

      See Sec. 17b-252 re overview of program.

      See Sec. 17b-254 re foundation funds and federal approval and report to General Assembly.

      See Sec. 38a-475 re precertification of long-term care insurance policies.

      Sec. 17b-254. (Formerly Sec. 17-12s). Connecticut Partnership for Long-Term Care: Foundation funds and federal approval. Report. The Office of Policy and Management shall seek the foundation funds and federal approvals necessary to carry out the purposes of this section and sections 17b-251 to 17b-253, inclusive, and 38a-475. Each year, on January first, the Secretary of the Office of Policy and Management shall report to the General Assembly on the progress of the program. Such report shall include: (1) The success in implementing the public and private partnership; (2) the number of policies precertified; (3) the number, age and financial circumstances of individuals purchasing precertified policies; (4) the number of individuals seeking consumer information services; (5) the extent and type of benefits paid under precertified policies that could count toward Medicaid resource protection; (6) estimates of impact on present and future Medicaid expenditures; (7) the cost effectiveness of the program; and (8) a determination regarding the appropriateness of continuing the program.

      (P.A. 89-352, S. 5, 6.)

      History: Sec. 17-12s transferred to Sec. 17b-254 in 1995.

      See Sec. 17b-251 re outreach program.

      See Sec. 17b-252 re overview of program.

      See Sec. 17b-253 re amendments to Medicaid program regulations and state plan, and regulations re determining eligibility of applicants for Medicaid and coverage requirements for long-term care benefits.

      See Sec. 38a-475 re precertification of long-term care insurance policies.

      Sec. 17b-255. (Formerly Sec. 17-12gg). Insurance assistance for people with AIDS. Managed care insurance program for persons with AIDS. Section 17b-255 is repealed, effective May 26, 2006.

      (P.A. 90-318; June Sp. Sess. P.A. 91-8, S. 5, 63; P.A. 93-262, S. 1, 87; P.A. 95-269, S. 1; P.A. 06-188, S. 55.)

      Sec. 17b-256. (Formerly Sec. 17-314m). Prescription drug and insurance assistance program for persons with acquired immunodeficiency syndrome or human immunodeficiency virus. Annual report. Enrollment in Medicare Part D. (a) The Commissioner of Social Services may administer, within available appropriations, a program providing payment for the cost of drugs prescribed by a physician for the treatment of acquired immunodeficiency syndrome or human immunodeficiency virus. The commissioner, in consultation with the Commissioner of Public Health, shall determine specific drugs to be covered and may implement a pharmacy lock-in procedure for the program. The Commissioner of Social Services shall adopt regulations, in accordance with the provisions of chapter 54, to carry out the purposes of this section. The commissioner may implement the program while in the process of adopting regulations, provided notice of intent to adopt the regulations is published in the Connecticut Law Journal within twenty days of implementation. The regulations may include eligibility for all persons with acquired immunodeficiency syndrome or human immunodeficiency virus whose income is below four hundred per cent of the federal poverty level. Subject to federal approval, the commissioner may, within available federal resources, maintain existing insurance policies for eligible clients, including, but not limited to, coverage of costs associated with such policies, that provide a full range of human immunodeficiency virus treatments and access to comprehensive primary care services as determined by the commissioner and as provided by federal law, and may provide payment, determined by the commissioner, for (1) drugs and nutritional supplements prescribed by a physician that prevent or treat opportunistic diseases and conditions associated with acquired immunodeficiency syndrome or human immunodeficiency virus; (2) ancillary supplies related to the administration of such drugs; and (3) laboratory tests ordered by a physician. On and after May 26, 2006, persons who previously received insurance assistance under the program established pursuant to section 17b-255 of the general statutes, revision of 1958, revised to 2005, shall continue to receive such assistance until the expiration of the insurance coverage, provided such person continues to meet program eligibility requirements established in accordance with this subsection. On or before March 1, 2007, and annually thereafter, the Commissioner of Social Services shall report, in accordance with section 11-4a, to the joint standing committees of the General Assembly having cognizance of matters relating to human services, public health and appropriations and the budgets of state agencies on the projected availability of funds for the program established pursuant to this section.

      (b) Applicants for and recipients of benefits under the program established pursuant to subsection (a) of this section shall, if eligible, enroll in Medicare Part D. The Commissioner of Social Services may be the authorized representative of such an applicant or recipient for purposes of enrolling in a Medicare Part D plan or submitting an application to the Social Security Administration to obtain the low income subsidy benefit provided under Public Law 108-173, the Medicare Prescription Drug, Improvement, and Modernization Act of 2003. The applicant or recipient shall have the opportunity to select a Medicare Part D plan and shall be notified of such opportunity by the commissioner. The applicant or recipient, prior to selecting a Medicare Part D plan, shall have the opportunity to consult with the commissioner, or the commissioner's designated agent, concerning the selection of a Medicare Part D plan that best meets the prescription drug needs of such applicant or recipient. In the event that such applicant or recipient does not select a Medicare Part D plan within a reasonable period of time, as determined by the commissioner, the commissioner shall enroll the applicant or recipient in a Medicare Part D plan designated by the commissioner in accordance with said act. The applicant or recipient shall appoint the commissioner as such applicant's or recipient's representative for the purpose of appealing any denial of Medicare Part D benefits and for any other purpose allowed under said act and deemed necessary by the commissioner. The commissioner may pay the premium and coinsurance costs of Medicare Part D coverage for eligible applicants or recipients.

      (June Sp. Sess. P.A. 91-8, S. 44, 63; P.A. 93-262, S. 1, 87; 93-418, S. 14, 41; P.A. 96-238, S. 16, 25; June Sp. Sess. P.A. 99-2, S. 6, 72; June Sp. Sess. P.A. 01-4, S. 9, 58; May 9 Sp. Sess. P.A. 02-7, S. 49; P.A. 06-188, S. 14.)

      History: P.A. 93-262 authorized substitution of commissioner and department of social services for commissioner and department of income maintenance, effective July 1, 1993; P.A. 93-418 made the program subject to available appropriations, expanded the program to include prescription drugs for the prevention and treatment of AIDS, ARC or HIV, deleting specific reference to AZT and requiring the commissioner to specify the drugs to be covered, required the commissioner to adopt regulations and allowed the commissioner to implement the program while in the process of adopting regulations, effective July 1, 1993; Sec. 17-314m transferred to Sec. 17b-256 in 1995; P.A. 96-238 authorized payment for drugs, nutritional supplements and ancillary supplies and laboratory tests prescribed or ordered by a physician for the prevention or treatment of opportunistic diseases and conditions associated with AIDS or HIV infection, effective July 1, 1996; June Sp. Sess. P.A. 99-2 added provisions allowing regulations to include eligibility for persons with income below four hundred per cent of the federal poverty level and allowing commissioner to purchase and maintain insurance policies with specified coverage, effective July 1, 1999; June Sp. Sess. P.A. 01-4 deleted provision re AIDS-related complex (ARC) and made a technical change, effective July 1, 2001; May 9 Sp. Sess. P.A. 02-7 changed "commissioner may, within available appropriations, purchase and maintain insurance polices for eligible clients," to "commissioner shall, within available federal resources, purchase and maintain insurance policies for eligible clients," effective August 15, 2002; P.A. 06-188 designated existing provisions as Subsec. (a) and amended same to add consultative role for Commissioner of Public Health re determination of drugs covered under the program, provide that persons previously receiving insurance assistance pursuant to Sec. 17b-255 shall continue to receive such assistance provided such persons meet program eligibility requirements, add provision requiring Commissioner of Social Services to annually report on the projected availability of funds for the program, and make conforming and technical changes, and added Subsec. (b) requiring eligible program applicants and beneficiaries to enroll in Medicare Part D, effective May 26, 2006.

      Secs. 17b-256a to 17b-256c. Reserved for future use.

      Sec. 17b-256d. State medical assistance program. Use of federally-qualified community health centers. Notwithstanding any provision of this chapter, the Commissioner of Social Services may enter into a contract with a consortium of federally-qualified community health centers to provide medical assistance to beneficiaries eligible under section 17b-192.

      (June Sp. Sess. P.A. 01-2, S. 20, 69; June Sp. Sess. P.A. 01-9, S. 129, 131; May 9 Sp. Sess. P.A. 02-7, S. 62; June 30 Sp. Sess. P.A. 03-3, S. 97.)

      History: June Sp. Sess. P.A. 01-2 effective July 1, 2001; June Sp. Sess. P.A. 01-9 revised effective date of June Sp. Sess. P.A. 01-2 but without affecting this section; May 9 Sp. Sess. P.A. 02-7 authorized Commissioner of Social Services to contract with consortium of federally-qualified community health centers to provide medical assistance to eligible beneficiaries, deleted provision re implementation of "mandatory program of primary case management" and deleted provision re contracts for medical services and program management, effective August 15, 2002; June 30 Sp. Sess. P.A. 03-3, in repealing Sec. 17b-259, authorized deletion of internal references to said section in this section, effective March 1, 2004.

      Sec. 17b-256e. Reports re potential participants in affordable pharmaceutical drug program. Section 17b-256e is repealed, effective July 1, 2005.

      (P.A. 03-166, S. 2; P.A. 05-272, S. 45.)

      Sec. 17b-257. (Formerly Sec. 17-12ii). Transferred to Chapter 319t, Sec. 17b-192.

      Sec. 17b-257a. Qualified alien eligibility for Medicaid. Qualified aliens, as defined in section 431 of Public Law 104-193, admitted into the United States prior to August 22, 1996, shall be eligible for Medicaid provided other conditions of eligibility are met. Qualified aliens admitted into the United States on or after August 22, 1996, shall be eligible for Medicaid subsequent to five years from the date admitted, except if the individual is otherwise qualified for the purposes of state receipt of federal financial participation under Title IV of Public Law 104-193, such individual shall be eligible for Medicaid regardless of the date admitted.

      (June 18 Sp. Sess. P.A. 97-2, S. 145, 165.)

      History: June 18 Sp. Sess. P.A. 97-2 effective July 1, 1997.

      Sec. 17b-257b. Alien eligibility for state medical assistance. Qualified aliens, as defined in Section 431 of Public Law 104-193, admitted into the United States on or after August 22, 1996, other lawfully residing immigrant aliens or aliens who formerly held the status of permanently residing under color of law who have been determined eligible for Medicaid or for state-administered general assistance medical aid prior to July 1, 1997, may be eligible for state-funded medical assistance which shall provide coverage to the same extent as the Medicaid program, state-administered general assistance medical aid or the HUSKY Plan, Part B provided other conditions of eligibility are met. Such qualified aliens or lawfully residing immigrant aliens or aliens who formerly held the status of permanently residing under color of law who have not been determined eligible for Medicaid or for state-administered general assistance medical aid prior to July 1, 1997, shall be eligible for state-funded assistance or the HUSKY Plan, Part B subsequent to six months from establishing residency in this state. Notwithstanding the provisions of this section, any qualified alien or other lawfully residing immigrant alien or alien who formerly held the status of permanently residing under color of law who is a victim of domestic violence or who has mental retardation shall be eligible for state-funded assistance or the HUSKY Plan, Part B pursuant to this section. Only individuals who are not eligible for Medicaid shall be eligible for state-funded assistance pursuant to this section.

      (June 18 Sp. Sess. P.A. 97-2, S. 146, 165; October 29 Sp. Sess. P.A. 97-1, S. 17, 23; P.A. 99-279, S. 11, 45; P.A. 00-83, S. 3, 5; June Sp. Sess. P.A. 01-9, S. 109, 131; May 9 Sp. Sess. P.A. 02-7, S. 22; P.A. 04-258, S. 16.)

      History: June 18 Sp. Sess. P.A. 97-2 effective July 1, 1997; Oct. 29 Sp. Sess. P.A. 97-1 made qualified aliens eligible for benefits under the HUSKY Plan, Part B, effective October 30, 1997; P.A. 99-279 extended the eligibility of certain qualified aliens or other lawfully residing immigrant aliens for state-funded medical assistance from July 1, 1999, to July 1, 2001, effective July 1, 1999; P.A. 00-83 extended provisions of section to aliens who formerly held the status of permanently residing under color of law, added references to "state-administered general assistance medical aid", and provided that alien who formerly held such status who is a domestic violence victim or who has mental retardation shall be eligible for state-funded assistance or the HUSKY Plan, Part B, effective July 1, 2000; June Sp. Sess. P.A. 01-9 extended the deadline for certain aliens to apply for assistance until June 30, 2002, effective July 1, 2001; May 9 Sp. Sess. P.A. 02-7 extended the deadline for certain aliens to apply for assistance until June 30, 2003, effective August 15, 2002; P.A. 04-258 deleted provision that prohibited Commissioner of Social Services from accepting applications for assistance pursuant to section on or after June 30, 2003, effective July 1, 2004.

      Sec. 17b-257c. Payments to long-term care facilities for care of illegal immigrants admitted to acute care or psychiatric hospitals. Eligibility. Regulations. (a) The Commissioner of Social Services, after consultation with the Commissioner of Mental Health and Addiction Services and the Secretary of the Office of Policy and Management, may provide, within available appropriations, payments to long-term care facilities for the care of certain illegal immigrants. Payments may be made to cover the costs of care, as well as other incidentals as determined by the Commissioner of Social Services, for illegal immigrants who have been admitted to an acute care or psychiatric hospital and for whom services available in a long-term care facility are an appropriate and cost-effective alternative. Such individuals must be otherwise eligible for Medicaid, have resided in this state for at least five years and be unable to return to their country of origin due to medical illness or regulations barring reentry of persons who are ill or disabled or based upon a decision by the Immigration and Naturalization Service not to proceed with deportation.

      (b) The Commissioner of Social Services shall implement the policies and procedures necessary to carry out the provisions of subsection (a) of this section while in the process of adopting such policies and procedures in regulation form, provided notice of intent to adopt the regulations is published in the Connecticut Law Journal within twenty days after implementation. Such policies and procedures shall be valid until the time final regulations are effective.

      (P.A. 98-239, S. 7, 35; P.A. 99-279, S. 15, 45.)

      History: P.A. 98-239 effective July 1, 1998; P.A. 99-279 amended Subsec. (a) to provide that payments may cover the costs of other incidentals as determined by the Commissioner of Social Services for illegal immigrants, effective June 29, 1999.

      Sec. 17b-258. (Formerly Sec. 17-12jj). Health insurance assistance for unemployed persons. (a) The Commissioner of Social Services may establish a two-year pilot program to provide health insurance assistance for unemployed persons. Under the program the state shall pay health insurance premiums or a portion thereof for persons who are unemployed and eligible to continue insurance coverage provided through a former employer. To qualify for assistance, the family income of a person shall be less than two hundred per cent of the federal poverty level and the cash assets of the person shall be less than ten thousand dollars. Insurance premiums and medical expenses for which the applicant has no coverage, which are incurred in the month of application, shall be deducted from gross income for the purpose of determining income eligibility for the program. Eligibility shall be periodically redetermined and any uncovered medical expenses incurred in the month of redetermination shall be deducted from gross income in determining continued eligibility for the program.

      (b) The Commissioner of Social Services shall adopt regulations, in accordance with chapter 54, to implement the provisions of this section, which shall include the establishment of (1) a sliding scale for copayment requirements; (2) an application process for the program, including application forms; and (3) a procedure by which the insurance premiums of participants in the program shall be paid.

      (May Sp. Sess. P.A. 92-16, S. 43, 89; P.A. 93-262, S. 1, 87.)

      History: P.A. 93-262 authorized substitution of commissioner and department of social services for commissioner and department of income maintenance, effective July 1, 1993; Sec. 17-12jj transferred to Sec. 17b-258 in 1995.

      Sec. 17b-259. (Formerly Sec. 17-274). Medically necessary services. Section 17b-259 is repealed, effective March 1, 2004.

      (1949 Rev., S. 2586; 1959, P.A. 572, S. 1; February, 1965, P.A. 96; 1971, P.A. 187; P.A. 77-131; P.A. 81-214, S. 4; P.A. 83-575, S. 2, 10; P.A. 84-168, S. 3; P.A. 86-415, S. 6; P.A. 88-156, S. 15; P.A. 89-239, S. 2; P.A. 90-80, S. 2; June Sp. Sess. P.A. 91-8, S. 37, 63; May Sp. Sess. P.A. 92-16, S. 8, 89; P.A. 93-262, S. 1, 87; 93-395, S. 1; P.A. 95-194, S. 13, 33; 95-265, S. 4, 7; P.A. 97-143, S. 2, 4; June 18 Sp. Sess. P.A. 97-2, S. 69, 165; June Sp. Sess. P.A. 01-2, S. 60, 69; June Sp. Sess. P.A. 01-9, S. 107, 129, 131; May 9 Sp. Sess. P.A. 02-7, S. 20; June 30 Sp. Sess. P.A. 03-3, S. 97.)

      Sec. 17b-259a. Imposition of cost sharing requirements on recipients of medical assistance. Exception. Section 17b-259a is repealed, effective August 20, 2003.

      (P.A. 95-351, S. 15, 30; P.A. 98-239, S. 22, 35; P.A. 03-2, S. 9; June 30 Sp. Sess. P.A. 03-3, S. 96.)

      Sec. 17b-260. (Formerly Sec. 17-134a). Acceptance of federal grants for medical assistance. The Commissioner of Social Services is authorized to take advantage of the medical assistance programs provided in Title XIX, entitled "Grants to States for Medical Assistance Programs", contained in the Social Security Amendments of 1965 and may administer the same in accordance with the requirements provided therein, including the waiving, with respect to the amount paid for medical care, of provisions concerning recovery from beneficiaries or their estates, charges and recoveries against legally liable relatives, and liens against property of beneficiaries.

      (February, 1965, P.A. 357, S. 1; 1967, P.A. 2, S. 1; 759, S. 1(a); P.A. 75-420, S. 4, 6; P.A. 77-614, S. 608, 610; P.A. 93-262, S. 1, 87.)

      History: 1967 acts deleted exclusion of patients in institutions for tuberculosis and mental diseases; P.A. 75-420 replaced welfare commissioner with commissioner of social services; P.A. 77-614 replaced commissioner of social services with commissioner of income maintenance, effective January 1, 1979; P.A. 93-262 authorized substitution of commissioner and department of social services for commissioner and department of income maintenance, effective July 1, 1993; Sec. 17-134a transferred to Sec. 17b-260 in 1995.

      Annotations to former section 17-134a:

      Cited. 168 C. 336. Cited. 179 C. 83; Id., 463. Cited. 191 C. 384. Cited. 192 C. 310. Cited. 204 C. 17. Cited. 209 C. 390. Cited. 216 C. 85. Cited. 226 C. 818. Cited. 237 C. 550.

      Cited. 5 Conn. Cir. Ct. 506.

      Annotations to present section:

      Cited as "17b-260 et seq. (providing for supplemental medical assistance)". 233 C. 557. Cited. 237 C. 550. Cited. 240 C. 141. Cited. 242 C. 345.

      Distribution of trust assets upon death of spouse served to disqualify plaintiff from receiving benefits. 49 CA 432.

      Sec. 17b-260a. Medicaid-financed home and community-based program for individuals with acquired brain injury. The Commissioner of Social Services shall seek a waiver from federal law to establish a Medicaid-financed, home and community-based program for individuals with acquired brain injury. Such waiver shall be submitted no later than October 1, 1995.

      (P.A. 95-209.)

      Sec. 17b-260b. Home and community-based service waivers serving persons with acquired brain injury and persons with mental retardation. Amendments. The Commissioner of Social Services may amend the federal home and community-based service waivers serving persons with acquired brain injury and persons with mental retardation to enable such persons eligible for or receiving medical assistance under section 17b-597 to receive the services provided under such federally-approved waivers.

      (P.A. 05-44, S. 3.)

      History: P.A. 05-44 effective July 1, 2005.

      Sec. 17b-260c. Medicaid waiver to provide coverage for family planning services. The Commissioner of Social Services shall apply for a Medicaid waiver, pursuant to Section 1115 of the Social Security Act, for the purpose of providing coverage for family planning services to adults in households with income that does not exceed one hundred eighty-five per cent of the federal poverty level and who are not otherwise eligible for Medicaid services.

      (P.A. 05-120, S. 1.)

      History: P.A. 05-120 effective July 1, 2005.

      Sec. 17b-261. (Formerly Sec. 17-134b). Medicaid. Eligibility. Assets. Waiver from federal law. Cost-sharing requirements. (a) Medical assistance shall be provided for any otherwise eligible person whose income, including any available support from legally liable relatives and the income of the person's spouse or dependent child, is not more than one hundred forty-three per cent, pending approval of a federal waiver applied for pursuant to subsection (d) of this section, of the benefit amount paid to a person with no income under the temporary family assistance program in the appropriate region of residence and if such person is an institutionalized individual as defined in Section 1917(c) of the Social Security Act, 42 USC 1396p(c), and has not made an assignment or transfer or other disposition of property for less than fair market value for the purpose of establishing eligibility for benefits or assistance under this section. Any such disposition shall be treated in accordance with Section 1917(c) of the Social Security Act, 42 USC 1396p(c). Any disposition of property made on behalf of an applicant or recipient or the spouse of an applicant or recipient by a guardian, conservator, person authorized to make such disposition pursuant to a power of attorney or other person so authorized by law shall be attributed to such applicant, recipient or spouse. A disposition of property ordered by a court shall be evaluated in accordance with the standards applied to any other such disposition for the purpose of determining eligibility. The commissioner shall establish the standards for eligibility for medical assistance at one hundred forty-three per cent of the benefit amount paid to a family unit of equal size with no income under the temporary family assistance program in the appropriate region of residence, pending federal approval, except that the medical assistance program shall provide coverage to persons under the age of nineteen up to one hundred eighty-five per cent of the federal poverty level without an asset limit. Said medical assistance program shall also provide coverage to persons under the age of nineteen and their parents and needy caretaker relatives who qualify for coverage under Section 1931 of the Social Security Act with family income up to one hundred fifty per cent of the federal poverty level without an asset limit, upon the request of such a person or upon a redetermination of eligibility. Such levels shall be based on the regional differences in such benefit amount, if applicable, unless such levels based on regional differences are not in conformance with federal law. Any income in excess of the applicable amounts shall be applied as may be required by said federal law, and assistance shall be granted for the balance of the cost of authorized medical assistance. All contracts entered into on and after July 1, 1997, pursuant to this section shall include provisions for collaboration of managed care organizations with the Nurturing Families Network established pursuant to section 17a-56. The Commissioner of Social Services shall provide applicants for assistance under this section, at the time of application, with a written statement advising them of (1) the effect of an assignment or transfer or other disposition of property on eligibility for benefits or assistance, and (2) the availability of, and eligibility for, services provided by the Nurturing Families Network established pursuant to section 17a-56.

      (b) For the purposes of the Medicaid program, the Commissioner of Social Services shall consider parental income and resources as available to a child under eighteen years of age who is living with his or her parents and is blind or disabled for purposes of the Medicaid program, or to any other child under twenty-one years of age who is living with his or her parents.

      (c) For the purposes of determining eligibility for the Medicaid program, an available asset is one that is actually available to the applicant or one that the applicant has the legal right, authority or power to obtain or to have applied for the applicant's general or medical support. If the terms of a trust provide for the support of an applicant, the refusal of a trustee to make a distribution from the trust does not render the trust an unavailable asset. Notwithstanding the provisions of this subsection, the availability of funds in a trust or similar instrument funded in whole or in part by the applicant or the applicant's spouse shall be determined pursuant to the Omnibus Budget Reconciliation Act of 1993, 42 USC 1396p. The provisions of this subsection shall not apply to special needs trust, as defined in 42 USC 1396p(d)(4)(A).

      (d) The transfer of an asset in exchange for other valuable consideration shall be allowable to the extent the value of the other valuable consideration is equal to or greater than the value of the asset transferred.

      (e) The Commissioner of Social Services shall seek a waiver from federal law to permit federal financial participation for Medicaid expenditures for families with incomes of one hundred forty-three per cent of the temporary family assistance program payment standard.

      (f) To the extent permitted by federal law, Medicaid eligibility shall be extended for one year to a family that becomes ineligible for medical assistance under Section 1931 of the Social Security Act due to income from employment by one of its members who is a caretaker relative or due to receipt of child support income. A family receiving extended benefits on July 1, 2005, shall receive the balance of such extended benefits, provided no such family shall receive more than twelve additional months of such benefits.

      (g) An institutionalized spouse applying for Medicaid and having a spouse living in the community shall be required, to the maximum extent permitted by law, to divert income to such community spouse in order to raise the community spouse's income to the level of the minimum monthly needs allowance, as described in Section 1924 of the Social Security Act. Such diversion of income shall occur before the community spouse is allowed to retain assets in excess of the community spouse protected amount described in Section 1924 of the Social Security Act. The Commissioner of Social Services, pursuant to section 17b-10, may implement the provisions of this subsection while in the process of adopting regulations, provided the commissioner prints notice of intent to adopt the regulations in the Connecticut Law Journal within twenty days of adopting such policy. Such policy shall be valid until the time final regulations are effective.

      (h) The Commissioner of Social Services shall, to the extent permitted by federal law, or, pursuant to an approved waiver of federal law submitted by the commissioner, in accordance with the provisions of section 17b-8, impose the following cost-sharing requirements under the HUSKY Plan, on all parent and needy caretaker relatives with incomes exceeding one hundred per cent of the federal poverty level: (1) A twenty-five-dollar premium per month per parent or needy caretaker relative; and (2) a copayment of one dollar per visit for outpatient medical services delivered by an enrolled Medicaid or HUSKY Plan provider. The commissioner may implement policies and procedures necessary to administer the provisions of this subsection while in the process of adopting such policies and procedures as regulations, provided the commissioner publishes notice of the intent to adopt regulations in the Connecticut Law Journal not later than twenty days after implementation. Policies and procedures implemented pursuant to this subsection shall be valid until the time final regulations are adopted.

      (i) Medical assistance shall be provided, in accordance with the provisions of subsection (e) of section 17a-6, to any child under the supervision of the Commissioner of Children and Families who is not receiving Medicaid benefits, has not yet qualified for Medicaid benefits or is otherwise ineligible for such benefits because of institutional status. To the extent practicable, the Commissioner of Children and Families shall apply for, or assist such child in qualifying for, the Medicaid program.

      (j) The Commissioner of Social Services shall provide Early and Periodic Screening, Diagnostic and Treatment program services, as required and defined as of December 31, 2005, by 42 USC 1396a(a)(43), 42 USC 1396d(r) and 42 USC 1396d(a)(4)(B) and applicable federal regulations, to all persons who are under the age of twenty-one and otherwise eligible for medical assistance under this section.

      (1967, P.A. 759, S. 1(b); 1969, P.A. 730, S. 8; P.A. 78-192, S. 4, 7; P.A. 80-50; P.A. 81-214, S. 6; P.A. 85-505, S. 14, 21; 85-527; P.A. 86-363, S. 3; P.A. 87-390, S. 1, 4; P.A. 89-317, S. 1, 2; P.A. 92-233, S. 1; P.A. 93-262, S. 1, 87; 93-289, S. 1-3; 93-435, S. 59, 95; May Sp. Sess. P.A. 94-5, S. 16, 30; P.A. 95-194, S. 30, 33; 95-351, S. 22, 30; P.A. 96-251, S. 9; P.A. 97-288, S. 3, 6; June 18 Sp. Sess. P.A. 97-2, S. 70, 165; October 29 Sp. Sess. P.A. 97-1, S. 19, 23; P.A. 99-279, S. 16, 45; June Sp. Sess. P.A. 00-2, S. 18, 53; June Sp. Sess. P.A. 01-2, S. 3, 69; June Sp. Sess. P.A. 01-9, S. 129, 131; P.A. 03-2, S. 10; 03-28, S. 2; 03-268, S. 7; June 30 Sp. Sess. P.A. 03-3, S. 63; P.A. 04-16, S. 6; P.A. 05-1, S. 1; 05-24, S. 1; 05-43, S. 1; 05-280, S. 1; P.A. 06-164, S. 3; 06-188, S. 49; 06-196, S. 134, 238, 289.)

      History: 1969 act deleted varying income limits and exclusions dependent upon marital status and number of dependents, referring instead to income limits under federal law; P.A. 78-192 added provisions re increases in eligibility standards; P.A. 80-50 added Subsec. (b); P.A. 81-214 added provisions re effect of transfer of property on eligibility for benefits in Subsec. (a); P.A. 85-505 amended Subsec. (a) to allow the extension of benefits for six months for former recipients; P.A. 85-527 amended Subsec. (a) by replacing "the minimum income permissible under federal law" with "one hundred twenty per cent of the standard of need"; P.A. 86-363 included children under eighteen years of age who are living with their parents and are blind or disabled in group for which parental income shall be considered under Subsec. (b); P.A. 87-390 changed the limit from one hundred "twenty" to one hundred "thirty-three", added language on division of property and transfer of the interest in a house between spouses, and added requirement for a written statement advising applicants of the effect of an assignment, transfer or other disposition of property on eligibility; P.A. 89-317 amended Subsec. (a) to require that a person be institutionalized, as defined in the Social Security Act, to be eligible for medical assistance, changed the time from which a transfer of assets will be permitted from "twenty-four" months to "thirty" months prior to the date of application and "thirty" months prior to the date of institutionalization and to require treatment of any disposition of assets in accordance with Section 1917 (c) of the Social Security Act, 42 U.S.C. 1396p (c); P.A. 92-233 amended Subsec. (a) by adding provisions re attribution of property disposed of on behalf of an applicant or his spouse by a guardian, conservator or authorized representative and disposition of property ordered by a court; P.A. 93-262 and 93-435 authorized substitution of commissioner and department of social services for commissioner and department of income maintenance, effective July 1, 1993; P.A. 93-289, S. 1 required that the medical assistance program provide coverage to persons under the age of six and S. 2 was added editorially by the Revisors as Subsec. (c) requiring the department of income maintenance to submit a report, effective July 1, 1993; May Sp. Sess. P.A. 94-5 removed the time limit on transfers of assets and extended coverage to children under the age of nineteen born after September 30, 1983, rather than children under six, effective July 1, 1994; Sec. 17-134b transferred to Sec. 17b-261 in 1995; P.A. 95-194 amended Subsec. (a) by changing the eligibility for medical assistance from an income which is not more than one hundred thirty-three per cent of the standard of need established pursuant to section 17b-104 to an income which is not more than one hundred forty-two per cent of the benefit amount paid to a person with no income under the AFDC program in the appropriate region of residence and by requiring the commissioner to establish the standards for eligibility for medical assistance at one hundred thirty-three per cent of the benefit amount paid to a family unit of equal size with no income under the AFDC program in the appropriate region of residence, added Subdiv. (d) requiring the commissioner to seek a waiver to permit federal financial participation for Medicaid expenditures and made technical changes, effective July 1, 1995; P.A. 95-351 replaced "one hundred forty-two" with "one hundred forty-three" as the highest allowable percentage of income for the provision of medical assistance and made a technical change, effective July 1, 1995; P.A. 96-251 amended Subsec. (c) by requiring that on and after October 1, 1996, reports be submitted to the legislative committee on human services and to legislators upon request and by adding provisions re submission of report summaries to legislators; P.A. 97-288 amended Subsec. (a) to require that contracts entered into after July 1, 1997, include provisions for collaboration of managed care organizations with the program established under Sec. 17a-56, effective July 1, 1997; June 18 Sp. Sess. P.A. 97-2 amended Subsec. (a) by extending Medicaid coverage, on and after July 1, 1998, from persons under the age of nineteen born after September 30, 1983, to persons under the age of nineteen born after September 30, 1981, or if possible, within available appropriations, born after June 30, 1980, with family income up to one hundred eighty-five per cent of the federal poverty level without an asset limit, replaced references to aid to families with dependent children with temporary family assistance, and made technical and conforming changes, effective July 1, 1997; Oct. 29 Sp. Sess. P.A. 97-1 amended Subsec. (a) to provide that on and after January 1, 1998, the medical assistance program shall provide coverage to persons under the age of nineteen and deleted reference to "born after June 30, 1981, or if possible within available appropriations, born after June 30, 1980", effective October 30, 1997; P.A. 99-279 amended Subsec. (a) to require extension of coverage under the medical assistance program to parents of children enrolled in the HUSKY Plan, Part A and to their needy caretaker relatives who qualify for coverage under Section 1931 of the Social Security Act and made technical changes, effective July 1, 2000; June Sp. Sess. P.A. 00-2 amended Subsec. (a) by deleting "born after September 30, 1981," changing "July 1, 2000," to "January 1, 2001," changing the family income level for eligibility for medical assistance from one hundred eighty-five to one hundred fifty per cent of federal poverty level, and adding provision re providing coverage upon the request of a person or upon a redetermination of eligibility, effective July 1, 2000; June Sp. Sess. P.A. 01-2 made technical changes for purposes of gender neutrality in Subsec. (b), added new Subsecs. (c) and (d) re availability and transfer of assets, and redesignated existing Subsecs. (c) and (d) as Subsecs. (e) and (f), effective July 1, 2001; June Sp. Sess. P.A. 01-9 revised effective date of June Sp. Sess. P.A. 01-2 but without affecting this section; P.A. 03-2 amended Subsec. (a) by making a technical change and changing family income eligibility limit for parents and needy caretaker relatives who qualify for medical assistance program coverage under Section 1931 of the Social Security Act from one hundred fifty per cent of the federal poverty limit to one hundred per cent of the federal poverty limit, and added new Subsec. (g), redesignated by the Revisors as new Subsec. (f), re ineligibility on or after April 1, 2003, of all parent and needy caretaker relatives with incomes exceeding one hundred per cent of the federal poverty level, effective February 28, 2003; P.A. 03-28 added new Subsec. (g) re extended Medicaid eligibility; P.A. 03-268 deleted former Subsec. (e) re submission of annual report to General Assembly re children receiving Medicaid services and doctors and dentists participating in state or municipally-funded programs and redesignated existing Subsec. (f) as Subsec. (e); June 30 Sp. Sess. P.A. 03-3 added new Subsec. (h) requiring an institutionalized spouse applying for Medicaid, who has a spouse living in the community, to divert income to the community spouse so as to raise the community spouse's income to the level of the minimum monthly needs allowance described in Section 1924 of the Social Security Act, effective August 20, 2003; P.A. 04-16 amended Subsec. (g) by adding "one of its members who is a caretaker relative is" re extended Medicaid eligibility and making a technical change; P.A. 05-1 added Subsec. (i) which extended transitional Medicaid benefits until June 30, 2005, for certain individuals who were to lose coverage between March 31, 2005, and May 31, 2005, effective March 10, 2005; P.A. 05-24 added new Subsec. (i) re provision of Medicaid coverage to a child under the supervision of the Commissioner of Children and Families, effective July 1, 2005; P.A. 05-43 amended Subsec. (g) by eliminating "or a family with an adult who, within six months of becoming ineligible under Section 1931 of the Social Security Act becomes employed", effective July 1, 2005; P.A. 05-280 amended Subsec. (a) by increasing family income limit re eligibility determinations for medical assistance for parents and needy caretakers of persons under the age of nineteen from one hundred per cent to one hundred fifty per cent of federal poverty level, deleted former Subsec. (f) re ineligibility for medical assistance for parents and needy caretaker relatives with incomes exceeding one hundred per cent of federal poverty level, redesignated Subsecs. (g) and (h) as Subsecs. (f) and (g), amended redesignated Subsec. (f) to reduce period of transitional medical assistance from two years to one year, add provision re extension of assistance to family that becomes ineligible "due to income from employment by" one of its members and provide that family receiving extended benefits "shall receive the balance of such extended benefits, provided no such family shall receive more than twelve additional months of such benefits", deleted former Subsec. (i) which had extended transitional medical assistance to June 30, 2005, for certain individuals and added new Subsec. (h) re cost sharing requirements under the HUSKY Plan, effective July 1, 2005; P.A. 06-164 amended Subsec. (a) to substitute "Nurturing Families Network" for "Healthy Families Connecticut Program", insert Subdiv. (1) designator and insert Subdiv. (2) re written statement on services provided by the Nurturing Families Network, effective July 1, 2006; P.A. 06-188 added Subsec. (j) re requirement to provide Early and Periodic Screening, Diagnostic and Treatment program services, as required by federal law, to persons under age twenty-one who are otherwise eligible for medical assistance, effective July 1, 2006; P.A. 06-196 made a technical change in Subsecs. (a) and (f), effective June 7, 2006, and inserted "and defined as of December 31, 2005," and made a technical change in Subsec. (j), effective July 1, 2006.

      Annotations to former section 17-134b:

      Cited. 168 C. 336. Since disclaimer is invalid state may reassess eligibility for assistance. 179 C. 463. Cited. 199 C. 524. Cited. 204 C. 17; Id., 672. Cited. 216 C. 85.

      Welfare commissioner is obligated to provide medical assistance for any otherwise eligible person whose income is not more than minimum income permissible under federal law for such eligibility. 34 CS 525. State regulation on Medicaid abortion funding is contrary to statutory provision. 40 CS 394.

      Annotation to present section:

      Cited as "17b-260 et seq. (providing for supplemental medical assistance)". 233 C. 557.

      Sec. 17b-261a. Transfer or assignment of assets resulting in the imposition of a penalty period. Regulations. (a) Any transfer or assignment of assets resulting in the imposition of a penalty period shall be presumed to be made with the intent, on the part of the transferor or the transferee, to enable the transferor to obtain or maintain eligibility for medical assistance. This presumption may be rebutted only by clear and convincing evidence that the transferor's eligibility or potential eligibility for medical assistance was not a basis for the transfer or assignment.

      (b) Any transfer or assignment of assets resulting in the establishment or imposition of a penalty period shall create a debt, as defined in section 36a-645, that shall be due and owing by the transferor or transferee to the Department of Social Services in an amount equal to the amount of the medical assistance provided to or on behalf of the transferor on or after the date of the transfer of assets, but said amount shall not exceed the fair market value of the assets at the time of transfer. The Commissioner of Social Services, the Commissioner of Administrative Services and the Attorney General shall have the power or authority to seek administrative, legal or equitable relief as provided by other statutes or by common law.

      (c) The Commissioner of Social Services may waive the imposition of a penalty period when the transferor (1) in accordance with the provisions of section 3025.25 of the department's Uniform Policy Manual, suffers from dementia at the time of application for medical assistance and cannot explain transfers that would otherwise result in the imposition of a penalty period; or (2) suffered from dementia at the time of the transfer; or (3) was exploited into making such a transfer due to dementia. Waiver of the imposition of a penalty period does not prohibit the establishment of a debt in accordance with subsection (b) of this section.

      (d) The Commissioner of Social Services, pursuant to section 17b-10, shall implement the policies and procedures necessary to carry out the provisions of this section while in the process of adopting such policies and procedures in regulation form, provided notice of intent to adopt regulations is published in the Connecticut Law Journal not later than twenty days after implementation. Such policies and procedures shall be valid until the time final regulations are effective.

      (June Sp. Sess. P.A. 01-2, S. 4, 69; June Sp. Sess. P.A. 01-9, S. 129, 131; June 30 Sp. Sess. P.A. 03-3, S. 62; P.A. 04-16, S. 7; P.A. 05-209, S. 4; 05-280, S. 40.)

      History: June Sp. Sess. P.A. 01-2 effective July 1, 2001; June Sp. Sess. P.A. 01-9 revised effective date of June Sp. Sess. P.A. 01-2 but without affecting this section; June 30 Sp. Sess. P.A. 03-3 designated existing provisions as Subsec. (a), added Subsec. (b) providing that transfer of assets resulting in imposition of a penalty period is presumed to be made with intent of allowing transferor to remain eligible for medical assistance, added Subsec. (c) re transfers resulting in imposition of a penalty period creating a debt due and owing to the department, added Subsec. (d) permitting commissioner to grant financial relief to nursing facility that demonstrates severe financial hardship due to imposition of transfer of assets penalties, added Subsec. (e) permitting commissioner to waive transfer of assets penalty period when transferor suffers from dementia or was exploited into making transfer, added Subsec. (f) providing that department, when determining medical assistance eligibility, shall review transfers of assets involving real property occurring in the sixty months preceding the date the individual applied for medical assistance and that federal law governs transfers of assets not involving real property, added Subsec. (g) permitting commissioner to establish threshold limits re annual asset transfers not subject to penalty and added Subsec. (h) requiring commissioner to implement policies and procedures necessary to carry out purposes of section while in the process of adopting regulations, effective August 20, 2003; P.A. 04-16 made technical changes in Subsec. (h); P.A. 05-209 deleted former Subsec. (a) re authority of commissioner to seek waiver of federal law for establishing penalty period for transfers of assets for less than fair market value, deleted former Subsec. (d) re commissioner's authority to grant financial relief to nursing homes experiencing severe financial hardship due to imposition of revised transfer of asset penalty period, deleted former Subsec. (e) re commissioner's authority to waive penalty period when transferor suffers from dementia, deleted former Subsec. (f) re sixty-month penalty period for transfers of assets involving real property, deleted former Subsec. (g) re commissioner's authority to set threshold limits for transfers not subject to imposition of penalty period, and redesignated existing Subsecs. (b), (c) and (h) as new Subsecs. (a), (b) and (c), respectively, effective July 6, 2005; P.A. 05-280 added new Subsec. (c) re commissioner's authority to waive penalty period when transferor suffers from dementia and redesignated existing Subsec. (c) as new Subsec. (d), effective July 13, 2005.

      Sec. 17b-261b. Program eligibility determined by department. Spousal support. (a) The Department of Social Services shall be the sole agency to determine eligibility for assistance and services under programs operated and administered by said department.

      (b) Any person filing an application with a probate court for spousal support, in accordance with section 45a-655, shall certify to that court that a copy of the application and accompanying attachments have been sent by regular mail, postage prepaid, to the Commissioner of Social Services. The probate court shall provide a notice of hearing to the commissioner at least fifteen business days prior to the hearing. The commissioner or a designee shall have the right to appear at such hearing and may present the commissioner's position as to the application in person or in writing. Any final order by the court on such application for spousal support shall be sent to the commissioner within seven business days of the order.

      (c) No probate court shall approve an application for spousal support of a community spouse unless (1) notice is provided in accordance with subsection (b) of this section, and (2) the order is consistent with state and federal law.

      (June Sp. Sess. P.A. 01-2, S. 5, 69; June Sp. Sess. P.A. 01-9, S. 129, 131.)

      History: June Sp. Sess. P.A. 01-2 effective July 1, 2001; June Sp. Sess. P.A. 01-9 revised effective date of June Sp. Sess. P.A. 01-2 but without affecting this section.

      Sec. 17b-261c. Medical assistance. Changes in circumstances. In no event shall an individual eligible for medical assistance under section 17b-261 be guaranteed eligibility for such assistance for six consecutive months without regard to changes in certain circumstances that would otherwise cause the individual to become ineligible for assistance.

      (P.A. 03-2, S. 12; P.A. 04-16, S. 8.)

      History: P.A. 03-2 effective February 28, 2003; P.A. 04-16 made a technical change.

      Sec. 17b-261d. Disease management initiative. Implementation. Annual report. The Commissioner of Social Services may design and implement a care enhancement and disease management initiative, if such initiative is determined to be cost effective by the commissioner. The initiative shall provide for an integrated and systematic approach for managing the health care needs of high cost Medicaid recipients. Notwithstanding any provision of the general statutes, the commissioner may contract with an entity to effectuate the purposes of this section, provided such entity has an established and demonstrated capability in the design and implementation of a disease management initiative. If implemented, the commissioner shall report annually on the status of the care enhancement and disease management initiative to the joint standing committees of the General Assembly having cognizance of matters relating to appropriations and the budgets of state agencies and human services.

      (June 30 Sp. Sess. P.A. 03-3, S. 51; P.A. 05-209, S. 1.)

      History: June 30 Sp. Sess. P.A. 03-3 effective August 20, 2003; P.A. 05-209 substituted "may" for "shall" re commissioner's design and implementation of care enhancement and disease management initiative, added "if such initiative is determined to be cost effective by the commissioner" and added "if implemented" with respect to annual reports re the status of initiative, effective July 1, 2005.

      Sec. 17b-261e. Critical access hospitals: HUSKY and Medicaid coverage. The Commissioner of Social Services shall provide coverage for isolation care and emergency services provided by the state's critical access hospital to persons participating in the HUSKY Plan Part A and Part B and fee for services Medicaid programs under this chapter.

      (P.A. 05-280, S. 66.)

      History: P.A. 05-280 effective July 1, 2005.

      See Sec. 19a-490 for definition of "critical access hospital".

      Sec. 17b-261f. Critical access hospital account established. There is established a critical access hospital account which shall be a separate, nonlapsing account within the General Fund. Moneys in the account shall be used by the Department of Social Services to fund the operations of the critical access hospital in the event of an activation. The account shall contain all moneys required by law to be deposited in the account.

      (P.A. 05-280, S. 62.)

      History: P.A. 05-280 effective July 1, 2005.

      Sec. 17b-261g. Reimbursement under HUSKY Plan, Part A for home health care services provided to children. The Commissioner of Social Services shall provide reimbursement under the HUSKY Plan, Part A program to children for services provided by a home health care agency, as defined in section 19a-490, in the child's home or a substantially equivalent environment. For purposes of such reimbursement, a substantially equivalent environment may include, but not be limited to, facilities that provide child day care services, as defined in subsection (a) of section 19a-77, and after school programs, as defined in section 10-16x.

      (P.A. 06-188, S. 50.)

      History: P.A. 06-188 effective July 1, 2006.

      Sec. 17b-262. (Formerly Sec. 17-134d). Regulations. Admissions to nursing home facilities. The Commissioner of Social Services may make such regulations as are necessary to administer the medical assistance program. Such regulations shall include provisions requiring the Department of Social Services (1) to monitor admissions to nursing home facilities, as defined in section 19a-521, and (2) to prohibit the admission by such facilities of persons with primary psychiatric diagnoses if such admission would jeopardize federal reimbursements.

      (1967, P.A. 759, S. 1(d); P.A. 75-420, S. 4, 6; P.A. 77-614, S. 608, 610; P.A. 87-113; P.A. 93-262, S. 1, 87.)

      History: P.A. 75-420 replaced welfare commissioner with commissioner of social services; P.A. 77-614 replaced commissioner of social services with commissioner of income maintenance, effective January 1, 1979; P.A. 87-113 added requirements for the regulations in Subdivs. (1) and (2); P.A. 93-262 authorized substitution of commissioner and department of social services for commissioner and department of income maintenance, effective July 1, 1993; Sec. 17-134d transferred to Sec. 17b-262 in 1995.

      Annotations to former section 17-134d:

      Cited. 168 C. 336. Since disclaimer is invalid, state may reassess eligibility for assistance. 179 C. 463. Cited. 191 C. 384. Cited. 204 C. 17. Cited. 216 C. 85. Cited. 226 C. 818. Provision in Regs., Conn. State Agencies Sec.17-144d-33(e)(1)(C) that entitles individual to nonemergency medical transportation to and from a medical provider only if services provided are "medical services covered by Medicaid" means services for which Medicaid program will actually pay, not services of a type covered by Medicaid. Transportation costs that are eligible for Medicaid payment only if such medical services are provided in "a clinic or hospital setting" are not of same type as transportation costs for services provided by an independent psychologist in a private office setting, which are ineligible for Medicaid payment. 276 C. 618.

      Cited. 40 CS 394.

      Cited. 5 Conn. Cir. Ct. 567.

      Annotation to present section:

      Cited as "17b-260 et seq. (providing for supplemental medical assistance)". 233 C. 557.

      Sec. 17b-263. (Formerly Sec. 17-274b). Utilization of outpatient mental health services. Contract for services. Rates. (a) The Commissioner of Social Services shall extend the provisions of section 17-134d-11 of the regulations of Connecticut state agencies to monitor and control Medicaid recipient utilization of outpatient mental health services. The commissioner shall contract, through a competitive bidding process, for recipient surveillance and review services. Such contract shall authorize the imposition of utilization controls, including but not limited to, prior authorization requirements based on medical appropriateness and cost effectiveness.

      (b) The rate paid for hospital outpatient mental health therapy services, except for partial hospitalization and other comprehensive services as defined by the commissioner, shall be that established in subsection (d) of section 17b-239 for an outpatient clinic visit. Payment for partial hospitalization services shall be considered payment in full for all outpatient mental health services.

      (June Sp. Sess. P.A. 91-8, S. 10, 63; P.A. 93-262, S. 1, 87.)

      History: P.A. 93-262 authorized substitution of commissioner and department of social services for commissioner and department of income maintenance, effective July 1, 1993; Sec. 17-274b transferred to Sec. 17b-263 in 1995.

      Cited as "17b-260 et seq. (providing for supplemental medical assistance)". 233 C. 557.

      Sec. 17b-263a. Amendment to state Medicaid plan to include assertive community treatment teams and community support services. (a) On or before December 31, 2006, the Commissioner of Social Services, in consultation with the Commissioner of Mental Health and Addiction Services and the Community Mental Health Strategy Board, established under section 17a-485b, shall take such action as is necessary to amend the Medicaid state plan to include assertive community treatment teams and community support services within the definition of optional adult rehabilitation services. Such community treatment teams shall provide intensive, integrated, multidisciplinary services to adults with severe psychiatric disabilities, including, but not limited to, persons who are homeless, persons diverted or discharged from in-patient programs or nursing homes and persons diverted or released from correctional facilities, or who are at risk of incarceration, and such teams shall provide intensive community care management through case managers, nurses and physicians and shall include, but not be limited to, vocational, peer and substance abuse specialists. The Commissioner of Social Services shall adopt regulations, in accordance with the provisions of chapter 54, for purposes of establishing the services specified in this subsection. The Commissioner of Social Services may implement policies and procedures for purposes of establishing such services while in the process of adopting such policies or procedures in regulation form, provided notice of intention to adopt the regulations is printed in the Connecticut Law Journal no later than twenty days after implementation and any such policies and procedures shall be valid until the time the regulations are effective.

      (b) For purposes of this section, the Commissioner of Social Services shall enter into a memorandum of understanding with the Department of Mental Health and Addiction Services that delegates responsibility to the Commissioner of Mental Health and Addiction Services for the clinical management of adult rehabilitation services provided to adults eighteen years of age or older who are otherwise receiving mental health services from said department. For purposes of this section, the term "clinical management" describes the process of evaluating and determining the appropriateness of the utilization of behavioral health services, providing assistance to clinicians or beneficiaries to ensure appropriate use of resources and may include, but is not limited to, authorization, concurrent and retrospective review, discharge review, quality management, provider certification and provider performance enhancement. The Commissioner of Social Services and the Commissioner of Mental Health and Addiction Services shall jointly develop clinical management policies and procedures for purposes of this section. The Commissioner of Social Services may implement policies and procedures necessary to carry out the purposes of this section, including any necessary changes to existing behavioral health policies and procedures concerning utilization management, while in the process of adopting such policies and procedures in regulation form, in accordance with the provisions of chapter 54, provided the commissioner publishes notice of intention to adopt the regulations in the Connecticut Law Journal not later than twenty days after implementing such policies and procedures. Policies and procedures implemented pursuant to this subsection shall be valid until the earlier of the time such regulations are effective, or December 1, 2006.

      (P.A. 05-280, S. 84.)

      History: P.A. 05-280 effective July 13, 2005.

      Sec. 17b-263b. Pilot program for individuals ages nineteen to twenty-one with a mental disorder and chronic health condition. Eligibility. The Commissioner of Social Services shall develop and implement a two-year pilot program for up to one hundred individuals who: (1) Are ages nineteen to twenty-one; (2) reside with a parent or a relative caregiver; (3) have been diagnosed with one or more mental disorders as defined in the most recent edition of the American Psychiatric Association's "Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders"; (4) have a significant chronic health condition; (5) have a substantial functional impairment as a result of the mental disorder or chronic health condition; and (6) are ineligible for medical assistance under the state-administered general assistance program due to parent or relative caregiver income. An individual who is eligible for benefits under this program, shall cooperate in establishing such individual's eligibility for Medicaid coverage based on disability. For purposes of this section "mental disorder" shall not include mental retardation, learning disorders, motor skill disorder, communication disorders, caffeine-related disorders, relational problems and additional conditions that may be a focus of clinical attention that are not otherwise defined as mental disorders in the most recent edition of the American Psychiatric Association's "Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders".

      (P.A. 05-280, S. 11.)

      History: P.A. 05-280 effective July 1, 2005.

      Sec. 17b-264. (Formerly Sec. 17-134e). Extension of other public assistance provisions. All of the provisions of sections 17b-22, 17b-75 to 17b-77, inclusive, 17b-79 to 17b-83, inclusive, 17b-85 to 17b-103, inclusive, and 17b-600 to 17b-604, inclusive, are extended to the medical assistance program except such provisions as are inconsistent with federal law and regulations governing Title XIX of the Social Security Amendments of 1965 and sections 17b-260 to 17b-262, inclusive, 17b-264 to 17b-285, inclusive, and 17b-357 to 17b-361, inclusive.

      (1967, P.A. 759, S. 1(e); June 18 Sp. Sess. P.A. 97-2, S. 71, 165; P.A. 05-280, S. 23; P.A. 06-188, S. 19.)

      History: Sec. 17-134e transferred to Sec. 17b-264 in 1995; June 18 Sp. Sess. P.A. 97-2 made technical changes, effective July 1, 1997; P.A. 05-280 substituted reference to Sec. 17b-361 for reference to repealed Sec. 17b-362, effective July 1, 2005; P.A. 06-188 replaced reference to "17b-79 to 17b-103, inclusive" with "17b-79 to 17b-83, inclusive, 17b-85 to 17b-103, inclusive" re statutory provisions that are extended to the medical assistance program, effective July 1, 2006.

      Annotations to former section 17-134e:

      Cited. 168 C. 336. Cited. 172 C. 292. Since disclaimer is invalid, state may reassess eligibility for assistance. 179 C. 463. Cited. 204 C. 17. Cited. 209 C. 390. Cited. 216 C. 85. Cited. 225 C. 314.

      Cited. 44 CA 143.

      This section extends the provisions of chapter 302 to the medical assistance program except such provisions which are inconsistent with federal law and part IV of chapter 302. 32 CS 523.

      Annotations to present section:

      Cited as "17b-260 et seq. (providing for supplemental medical assistance)". 233 C. 557. Cited. 237 C. 550. Cited. 240 C. 141.

      Cited. 44 CA 143.

      Sec. 17b-265. (Formerly Sec. 17-134f). Department subrogated to right of recovery of applicant or recipient. Utilization of personal health insurance. Insurance coverage of medical assistance recipients. Limitations. (a) In accordance with 42 USC 1396k, the Department of Social Services shall be subrogated to any right of recovery or indemnification which an applicant or recipient of medical assistance or any legally liable relative has against a private insurer or other third party, as defined in 42 CFR 433.136, for the cost of hospitalization, pharmaceutical services, physician services, nursing services and other medical services, not to exceed the amount expended by the department for such care and treatment of the applicant or recipient. In the case of such a recipient who is an enrollee in a managed care organization under a Medicaid managed care contract with the state or a legally liable relative of such an enrollee, the department shall be subrogated to any right of recovery or indemnification which the enrollee or legally liable relative has against such a private insurer or other third party for the medical costs incurred by the managed care organization on behalf of an enrollee. An applicant or recipient or legally liable relative, by the act of the applicant or recipient receiving medical assistance, shall be deemed to have made a subrogation assignment and an assignment of claim for benefits to the department. The department shall inform an applicant of such assignments at the time of application. Any entitlements from a contractual agreement with an applicant or recipient, legally liable relative or a state or federal program for such medical services, not to exceed the amount expended by the department, shall be so assigned. Such entitlements shall be directly reimbursable to the department by third party payors. The Department of Social Services may assign its right to subrogation or its entitlement to benefits to a designee or a health care provider participating in the Medicaid program and providing services to an applicant or recipient, in order to assist the provider in obtaining payment for such services. A provider that has received an assignment from the department shall notify the private insurer or third party of the assignment upon rendition of services to the applicant or recipient. Failure to so notify the private insurer or third party shall render the provider ineligible for payment from the department. The provider shall notify the department of any request by the applicant or recipient or legally liable relative or representative of such applicant or recipient for billing information. This subsection shall not be construed to affect the right of an applicant or recipient to maintain an independent cause of action against such third party tortfeasor.

      (b) When a recipient of medical assistance has personal health insurance in force covering care or other benefits provided under such program, payment or part-payment of the premium for such insurance may be made when deemed appropriate by the Commissioner of Social Services. Effective January 1, 1992, the commissioner shall limit reimbursement to medical assistance providers, except those providers whose rates are established by the Commissioner of Public Health pursuant to chapter 368d, for coinsurance and deductible payments under Title XVIII of the Social Security Act to assure that the combined Medicare and Medicaid payment to the provider shall not exceed the maximum allowable under the Medicaid program fee schedules.

      (c) Notwithstanding the provisions of subsection (c) of section 38a-553, no (1) individual or group accident, health or accident and health policy or medical expense policy or medical service plan contract, delivered, issued for delivery or renewed in this state on or after July 1, 1984, or (2) self-insured or self-funded plan subject to the provisions of the Employee Retirement Income Security Act of 1974 shall contain any provision which has the effect of denying or limiting benefits or excluding coverage because services are rendered to an insured or beneficiary who is eligible for or who received medical assistance under this chapter. No insurer, as defined in section 38a-497a, shall impose requirements on the state Medicaid agency, which has been assigned the rights of an individual eligible for Medicaid and covered for health benefits from an insurer, that differ from requirements applicable to an agent or assignee of another individual so covered.

      (d) The Commissioner of Social Services shall not pay for any services provided under this chapter if the individual eligible for medical assistance has coverage for the services under an accident or health insurance policy.

      (1967, P.A. 759, S. 1(f); P.A. 75-420, S. 4, 6; P.A. 77-614, S. 608, 610; P.A. 83-145; P.A. 84-367, S. 2, 3; P.A. 90-283, S. 1; June Sp. Sess. P.A. 91-8, S. 6, 63; P.A. 93-262, S. 1, 87; 93-381, S. 9, 39; 93-418, S. 32, 41; May Sp. Sess. P.A. 94-5, S. 6, 30; P.A. 95-257, S. 12, 21, 58; 95-305, S. 3, 6; P.A. 99-279, S. 17, 45.)

      History: P.A. 75-420 replaced welfare commissioner with commissioner of social services; P.A. 77-614 replaced commissioner of social services with commissioner of income maintenance, effective January 1, 1979; P.A. 83-145 made the existing section Subsec. (b) and added Subsec. (a) dealing with subrogation to any right of recovery, assignment of claim for benefits and entitlements and right of action against third party tortfeasors; P.A. 84-367 added Subsec. (c) prohibiting a provision denying or limiting insurance benefits because services are rendered to an insured who is eligible for or received medical assistance and added Subsec. (d) prohibiting the commissioner from paying for services if the individual has coverage under an accident or health insurance policy; P.A. 90-283 in Subsec. (a) subrogated the department to any right of recovery of a legally liable relative of an applicant or recipient of medical assistance and added provisions whereby the department may assign its right of subrogation; June Sp. Sess. P.A. 91-8 amended Subsec. (b) to require a limitation on reimbursement to medical assistance providers for coinsurance and deductible payments to not exceed the maximum allowable under the Medicaid fee schedules, except for those providers licensed by the department of health services; P.A. 93-262 authorized substitution of commissioner and department of social services for commissioner and department of income maintenance, effective July 1, 1993; P.A. 93-381 replaced commissioner of health services with commissioner of public health and addiction services, effective July 1, 1993; P.A. 93-418 changed reference to insurer to a private insurer or third party and made other technical changes, effective July 1, 1993; May Sp. Sess. P.A. 94-5 amended Subsec. (c) to prevent insurers from imposing requirements on the department of social services which deny or limit benefits which have been assigned pursuant to this section, effective July 1, 1994; Sec. 17-134f transferred to Sec. 17b-265 in 1995; P.A. 95-257 replaced Commissioner and Department of Public Health and Addiction Services with Commissioner and Department of Public Health, effective July 1, 1995; P.A. 95-305 amended Subsec. (c) by deleting a provision that an insurer, health care center or issuer of any service plan contract for hospital or medical expense coverage shall not impose requirements on the Department of Social Services which limit or deny benefits and adding a provision prohibiting an insurer from imposing certain requirements on the state Medicaid agency, effective July 1, 1995; P.A. 99-279 amended Subsec. (a) to provide that the department shall be subrogated to any right of recovery or indemnification which an enrollee in a managed care organization under a Medicaid managed care contract or legally liable relative has against a private insurer or other third party for the medical costs incurred by the managed care organization on behalf of an enrollee and made technical changes, effective July 1, 1999.

      See Sec. 17b-265a re physicians providing services to dually eligible Medicaid and Medicare clients.

      Annotations to former section 17-134f:

      Cited. 168 C. 336. Cited. 204 C. 17. Cited. 216 C. 85.

      Annotation to present section:

      Cited as "17b-260 et seq. (providing for supplemental medical assistance)". 233 C. 557.

      Sec. 17b-265a. Physicians providing services to dually eligible Medicaid and Medicare clients. Rates. Effective April 1, 2003, the Commissioner of Social Services shall, within available Medicaid appropriations, grant a rate increase to physicians who provide services to clients who are eligible under both Medicaid and Medicare.

      (May 9 Sp. Sess. P.A. 02-7, S. 54.)

      History: May 9 Sp. Sess. P.A. 02-7 effective August 15, 2002.

      See Sec. 17b-265 re insurance coverage of medical assistance recipients and limitations.

      Sec. 17b-265b. Reimbursement rates for pathologists. (a) The Commissioner of Social Services shall reimburse pathologists, licensed pursuant to chapter 370, who provide medical services to individuals under programs administered by the department, for the professional component of their service, with no distinction made as to whether such service is provided in a hospital or outpatient setting. In no event shall such rate exceed the prevailing rate paid to physicians for similar physician services.

      (b) For the fiscal years ending June 30, 2004, and June 30, 2005, any increase in reimbursement shall not exceed the aggregate sum of one hundred fifty thousand dollars for each fiscal year.

      (June 30 Sp. Sess. P.A. 03-3, S. 79.)

      History: June 30 Sp. Sess. P.A. 03-3 effective August 20, 2003.

      Sec. 17b-265c. Medicaid and Medicare dually eligible pilot program. The Commissioner of Social Services, to the extent permitted by federal law, shall amend the Medicaid state plan to establish a pilot program serving not more than five hundred elderly or disabled state medical assistance recipients who are also eligible for Medicare and who voluntarily opt to participate in the program. Such program shall demonstrate the feasibility and cost effectiveness of delivering comprehensive health insurance coverage in a managed care setting to such recipients. The commissioner may include medical assistance services in the pilot program not presently covered in the state medical assistance program or other modifications to the state medical assistance program to encourage voluntary participation in the pilot program.

      (P.A. 04-258, S. 4.)

      History: P.A. 04-258 effective June 1, 2004.

      Sec. 17b-265d. Definition of full benefit dually eligible Medicare Part D beneficiary. Prescription drug coverage under Medicare Part D. Copayment coverage. Commissioner's enrollment authority. (a) As used in this section, "full benefit dually eligible Medicare Part D beneficiary" means a person who has coverage for Medicare Part D drugs and is eligible for full medical assistance benefits pursuant to section 17b-261, under any category of eligibility.

      (b) On and after the effective date of the Medicare Part D program established pursuant to Public Law 108-173, the Medicare Prescription Drug, Improvement, and Modernization Act of 2003, no Medicaid prescription drug coverage shall be provided to a Medicaid recipient eligible for Medicare Part D for Medicare Part D drugs, as defined in said act. Medicaid coverage shall be provided to a full benefit dually eligible Medicare Part D beneficiary for prescription drugs that are not Medicare Part D drugs, as defined in said act.

      (c) The department shall be responsible for payment on behalf of a full benefit dually eligible Medicare Part D beneficiary of any Medicare Part D prescription drug copayments imposed pursuant to Public Law 108-173, the Medicare Prescription Drug, Improvement, and Modernization Act of 2003.

      (d) To the extent permitted under federal law, the Commissioner of Social Services may be the authorized representative of a full benefit dually eligible Medicare Part D beneficiary for the purpose of enrolling the beneficiary in a Medicare Part D plan.

      (P.A. 05-280, S. 19; Nov. 2 Sp. Sess. P.A. 05-2, S. 1; Nov. 2 Sp. Sess. P.A. 05-3, S. 1.)

      History: P.A. 05-280 effective July 1, 2005; Nov. 2 Sp. Sess. P.A. 05-2 added new Subsec. (a) defining "full benefit dually eligible Medicare Part D beneficiary", redesignated existing provisions as Subsec. (b) and made technical changes therein, and added Subsec. (c) re department's responsibility for payment of Medicare Part D prescription drug copayments on behalf of a full benefit dually eligible Medicare Part D beneficiary, effective December 1, 2005; Nov. 2 Sp. Sess. P.A. 05-3 added Subsec. (d) re authority of Commissioner of Social Services to act as the authorized representative of a full benefit dually eligible Medicare Part D beneficiary for purposes of enrolling the beneficiary in a Medicare Part D plan, effective December 1, 2005.

      Sec. 17b-265e. Medicare Part D Supplemental Needs Fund. Payment by department for nonformulary prescription drugs. Department's authority to contract with an entity to pursue Medicare Part D appeals. (a) There is established a fund to be known as the "Medicare Part D Supplemental Needs Fund" which shall be an account within the General Fund under the Department of Social Services. The Commissioner of Social Services shall, within available appropriations, designate moneys to said fund. Moneys available in said fund shall be utilized by the Department of Social Services to provide financial assistance to Medicare Part D beneficiaries who are enrolled in the ConnPACE program or who are full benefit dually eligible Medicare Part D beneficiaries, as defined in section 17b-265d, and who lack the financial means to obtain medically necessary nonformulary prescription drugs. A beneficiary requesting such financial assistance from the department shall be required to make a satisfactory showing of the medical necessity of obtaining such nonformulary prescription drug to the department. The department may require as a condition of receiving such financial assistance that a beneficiary establish, to the satisfaction of the department, that the beneficiary has made good faith efforts to: (1) Enroll in a Medicare Part D plan recommended by the commissioner or the commissioner's agent; and (2) utilize the exception process established by the prescription drug plan in which the beneficiary is enrolled. The department shall expeditiously review all requests for financial assistance pursuant to this section and shall notify the beneficiary as to whether the request for financial assistance has been granted not later than two hours after receiving the request from the beneficiary. The commissioner shall implement policies and procedures to administer the provisions of this section and to ensure that all requests for, and determinations made concerning financial assistance available pursuant to this section are expeditiously processed.

      (b) The Department of Social Services shall, in accordance with the provisions of this section, pay claims for prescription drugs for Medicare Part D beneficiaries, who are also either Medicaid or ConnPACE recipients and who are denied coverage by the Medicare Part D plan in which such beneficiary is enrolled because a prescribed drug is not on the formulary utilized by such Medicare Part D plan. Payment shall initially be made by the department for a thirty-day supply, subject to any applicable copayment. The beneficiary shall appoint the commissioner as such beneficiary's representative for the purpose of appealing any denial of Medicare Part D benefits and for any other purpose allowed under said act and deemed necessary by the commissioner.

      (c) Notwithstanding any provision of the general statutes, not later than July 1, 2006, the Commissioner of Social Services shall contract with an entity specializing in Medicare appeals and reconsideration for the purpose of having such entity exhaust remedies for pursuing payment under Medicare Part D by Part D plans for prescriptions denied as nonformulary drugs, including remedies available through reconsideration by an independent review entity, review by an administrative law judge, the Medicare Appeals Council or Federal District Court. Reimbursement secured by such entity from the Part D plan shall be returned to the Department of Social Services.

      (d) The entity contracting with the Department of Social Services pursuant to subsection (c) of this section shall submit appeals beyond the independent review entity only upon authorization from the department. Upon determination by the department that it is not cost-effective to pursue further appeals, the department shall pay for the denied nonformulary drug for the remainder of the calendar year, provided the beneficiary remains enrolled in the Part D plan that denied coverage. Pending the outcome of the appeals process, the department shall continue to pay claims for the nonformulary drug denied by the Part D plan until the earlier of approval of such drug by the Part D plan or for the remainder of the calendar year.

      (Nov. 2 Sp. Sess. P.A. 05-2, S. 2; P.A. 06-188, S. 13.)

      History: Nov. 2 Sp. Sess. P.A. 05-2 effective December 1, 2005; P.A. 06-188 designated existing provisions as Subsec. (a), added Subsec. (b) re department's authority to pay for nonformulary prescription drugs, added Subsec. (c) re department's authority to contract with an entity for the purpose of pursuing Medicare Part D appeals and added Subsec. (d) re limitations on appeals and payment for nonformulary prescription drugs, effective July 1, 2006.

      Sec. 17b-266. (Formerly Sec. 17-134g). Purchase of insurance. Contracts for comprehensive health care on a prepayment or per capita basis. Certification of providers by commissioner. Exception of deadline for payment of capitation claims. Deposit of funds for expenditures for children's health programs and services. (a) The Commissioner of Social Services may, when the commissioner finds it to be in the public interest, fund part or all of the cost of benefits to any recipient under sections 17b-260 to 17b-262, inclusive, 17b-264 to 17b-285, inclusive, 17b-357 to 17b-361, inclusive, 17b-289 to 17b-303, inclusive, and section 16 of public act 97-1 of the October 29 special session*, through the purchase of insurance from any organization authorized to do a health insurance business in this state or from any organization specified in subsection (b) of this section.

      (b) The Commissioner of Social Services may require recipients of Medicaid or other public assistance to receive medical care on a prepayment or per capita basis, in accordance with federal law and regulations, if such prepayment is anticipated to result in lower medical assistance costs to the state. The commissioner may enter into contracts for the provision of comprehensive health care on a prepayment or per capita basis in accordance with federal law and regulations, with the following: (1) A health care center subject to the provisions of chapter 698a; (2) a consortium of federally-qualified community health centers and other community-based providers of health services which are funded by the state; (3) other consortia of providers of health care services established for the purposes of this subsection; or (4) an integrated service network providing care management and comprehensive health care on a prepayment or per capita basis to elderly and disabled recipients of Medicaid who may also be eligible for Medicare.

      (c) Providers of comprehensive health care services as described in subdivisions (2), (3) and (4) of subsection (b) of this section shall not be subject to the provisions of chapter 698a or, in the case of an integrated service network, sections 17b-239 to 17b-245, inclusive, 17b-281, 17b-340, 17b-342 and 17b-343. Any such provider shall be certified by the Commissioner of Social Services in accordance with criteria established by the commissioner, including, but not limited to, minimum reserve fund requirements.

      (d) The commissioner shall pay all capitation claims which would otherwise be reimbursed to the health plans described in subsection (b) of this section in June, 1997, no later than July 31, 1997.

      (e) On or after May 1, 2000, the payment to the Commissioner of Social Services of (1) any monetary sanction imposed by the commissioner on a managed care organization under the provisions of a contract between the commissioner and such organization entered into pursuant to this section or sections 17b-289 to 17b-304, inclusive, or (2) any sum agreed upon by the commissioner and such an organization as settlement of a claim brought by the commissioner or the state against such an organization for failure to comply with the terms of a contract with the commissioner or fraud affecting the Department of Social Services shall be deposited in an account designated for use by the department for expenditures for children's health programs and services.

      (1967, P.A. 759, S. 1(g); P.A. 75-420, S. 4, 6; P.A. 77-614, S. 608, 610; P.A. 83-51; P.A. 93-262, S. 1, 87; May Sp. Sess. P.A. 94-5, S. 27, 30; P.A. 95-160, S. 26, 69; P.A. 96-139, S. 12, 13; June 18 Sp. Sess. P.A. 97-2, S. 112, 165; P.A. 98-239, S. 23, 35; June Sp. Sess. P.A. 00-2, S. 19, 53; P.A. 02-89, S. 31; P.A 03-278, S. 62; P.A. 05-280, S. 24.)

      *Note: Section 16 of public act 97-1 of the October special session is special in nature and therefore has not been codified but remains in full force and effect according to its terms.

      History: P.A. 75-420 replaced welfare commissioner with commissioner of social services; P.A. 77-614 replaced commissioner of social services with commissioner of income maintenance, effective January 1, 1979; P.A. 83-51 added Subsec. (b) allowing the commissioner to enter into contracts for comprehensive health care on a prepayment or per capita basis and allowing recipients to receive medical care on such basis; P.A. 93-262 authorized substitution of commissioner and department of social services for commissioner and department of income maintenance, effective July 1, 1993; May Sp. Sess. P.A. 94-5 specified with whom the commissioner may contract for the provision of comprehensive health care, allowed comprehensive health care providers not to be subject to chapter 698a and required the health care providers to be certified by the commissioner, effective July 1, 1994; Sec. 17-134g transferred to Sec. 17b-266 in 1995; P.A. 95-160 added Subsec. (d) requiring the commissioner to pay all capitation claims to be reimbursed to health plans in June, 1997, no later than July 31, 1997, effective July 1, 1995; P.A. 96-139 changed effective date of P.A. 95-160 but without affecting this section; June 18 Sp. Sess. P.A. 97-2 authorized the commissioner to enter into comprehensive health care contracts with integrated service networks and exempted such networks from the provisions of chapter 698a or sections 17b-239 to 17b-245, inclusive, 17b-281, 17b-340 or 17b-342 to 17b-344, inclusive, effective July 1, 1997; (Revisor's note: New Subsec. (e) added by vetoed P.A. 97-240 and reprinted in Sec. 112 of June 18 Sp. Sess. P.A. 97-2 is void and was therefore not codified); P.A. 98-239 amended Subsec. (a) to allow the Commissioner of Social Services to fund part or all of the health care insurance costs for recipients of the HUSKY Plan, Part B through the purchase of insurance from any organization authorized to conduct a health insurance business in this state or from any organization specified in Subsec. (b), effective June 8, 1998; June Sp. Sess. P.A. 00-2 added Subsec. (e) re payments made to the commissioner of certain monetary sanctions or settlements deposited in account designated for use for expenditures for children's health programs and services, effective June 21, 2000; P.A. 02-89 amended Subsec. (c) to replace reference to Sec. 17b-344 with reference to Sec. 17b-343, reflecting the repeal of Sec. 17b-344 by the same public act; P.A. 03-278 made technical changes in Subsec. (c), effective July 9, 2003; P.A. 05-280 amended Subsec. (a) by making a technical change for purposes of gender neutrality and substituting reference to Sec. 17b-361 for reference to repealed Sec. 17b-362, effective July 1, 2005.

      Annotations to former section 17-134g:

      Cited. 168 C. 336. Cited. 204 C. 17. Cited. 216 C. 85.

      Annotation to present section:

      Cited as "17b-260 et seq. (providing for supplemental medical assistance)". 233 C. 557.

      Sec. 17b-266a. Contract with pharmacy benefits management organization. The Commissioner of Social Services may contract with a pharmacy benefits management organization or a single entity qualified to deliver comprehensive health care services, in accordance with section 17b-266, to provide prescription drug coverage to medical assistance recipients receiving services in a managed care setting.

      (P.A. 04-258, S. 7.)

      History: P.A. 04-258 effective July 1, 2004.

      Sec. 17b-267. (Formerly Sec. 17-134h). Use of fiscal intermediaries in connection with medical assistance. (a) If any group or association of providers of medical assistance services wishes to have payments as provided for under sections 17b-260 to 17b-262, inclusive, 17b-264 to 17b-285, inclusive, and 17b-357 to 17b-361, inclusive, to such providers made through a national, state or other public or private agency or organization and nominates such agency or organization for this purpose, the Commissioner of Social Services is authorized to enter into an agreement with such agency or organization providing for the determination by such agency or organization, subject to such review by the Commissioner of Social Services as may be provided for by the agreement, of the payments required to be made to such providers at the rates set by the hospital cost commission, and for the making of such payments by such agency or organization to such providers. Such agreement may also include provision for the agency or organization to do all or any part of the following: With respect to the providers of services which are to receive payments through it, (1) to serve as a center for, and to communicate to providers, any information or instructions furnished to it by the Commissioner of Social Services, and to serve as a channel of communication from providers to the Commissioner of Social Services; (2) to make such audits of the records of providers as may be necessary to insure that proper payments are made under this section; and (3) to perform such other functions as are necessary to carry out the provisions of sections 17b-267 to 17b-271, inclusive.

      (b) The Commissioner of Social Services shall not enter into an agreement with any agency or organization under subsection (a) of this section unless (1) he finds (A) that to do so is consistent with the effective and efficient administration of the medical assistance program, and (B) that such agency or organization is willing and able to assist the providers to which payments are made through it in the application of safeguards against unnecessary utilization of services furnished by them to individuals entitled to hospital insurance benefits under section 17b-261 and the agreement provides for such assistance, and (2) such agency or organization agrees to furnish to the Commissioner of Social Services such of the information acquired by it in carrying out its agreement under sections 17b-267 to 17b-271, inclusive, as the Commissioner of Social Services may find necessary in performing his functions under said sections.

      (c) An agreement with any agency or organization under subsection (a) of this section may contain such terms and conditions as the Commissioner of Social Services finds necessary or appropriate, may provide for advances of funds to the agency or organization for the making of payments by it under said subsection (a), and shall provide for payment by the Commissioner of Social Services of so much of the cost of administration of the agency or organization as is determined by the Commissioner of Social Services to be necessary and proper for carrying out the functions covered by the agreement.

      (1971, P.A. 431, S. 1; P.A. 75-420, S. 4, 6; P.A. 77-614, S. 608, 610; P.A. 93-262, S. 1, 87; P.A. 05-280, S. 25; 05-288, S. 70.)

      History: P.A. 75-420 replaced welfare commissioner with commissioner of social services; P.A. 77-614 replaced commissioner of social services with commissioner of income maintenance, effective January 1, 1979; P.A. 93-262 authorized substitution of commissioner and department of social services for commissioner and department of income maintenance, effective July 1, 1993; Sec. 17-134h transferred to Sec. 17b-267 in 1995; P.A. 05-280 amended Subsec. (a) by substituting reference to Sec. 17b-361 for reference to repealed Sec. 17b-362, effective July 1, 2005; P.A. 05-288 made technical changes in Subsecs. (b) and (c), effective July 13, 2005.

      Annotations to former section 17-134h:

      Cited. 168 C. 336. Cited. 204 C. 17. Cited. 216 C. 85.

      Annotations to present section:

      Cited as "17b-260 et seq. (providing for supplemental medical assistance)". 233 C. 557.

      Sec. 17b-268. (Formerly Sec. 17-134i). Withdrawal of member of group providing services. If the nomination of an agency or organization as provided in section 17b-267 is made by a group or association of providers of services, it shall not be binding on members of the group or association which notify the Commissioner of Social Services of their election not to be included in such nomination. Any provider may, upon such notice as may be specified in the agreement under section 17b-267, withdraw its nomination to receive payments through such agency or organization. Any provider which has withdrawn its nomination, and any group or association of providers which has not made a nomination, may elect to receive payments from any agency or organization which has entered into an agreement with the Commissioner of Social Services under section 17b-267 if the Commissioner of Social Services and such agency or organization agree to it.

      (1971, P.A. 431, S. 2; P.A. 75-420, S. 4, 6; P.A. 77-614, S. 608, 610; P.A. 93-262, S. 1, 87.)

      History: P.A. 75-420 replaced welfare commissioner with commissioner of social services; P.A. 77-614 replaced commissioner of social services with commissioner of of income maintenance, effective January 1, 1979; P.A. 93-262 authorized substitution of commissioner and department of social services for commissioner and department of income maintenance, effective July 1, 1993; Sec. 17-134i transferred to Sec. 17b-268 in 1995.

      Annotations to former section 17-134i:

      Cited. 168 C. 336. Cited. 204 C. 17. Cited. 216 C. 85.

      Annotation to present section:

      Cited as "17b-260 et seq. (providing for supplemental medical assistance)". 233 C. 557.

      Sec. 17b-269. (Formerly Sec. 17-134j). Bonding of officers and employees. An agreement with an agency or organization under section 17b-267 may require any of its officers or employees certifying payments or disbursing funds pursuant to the agreement, or otherwise participating in carrying out the agreement, to give surety bond to the state in such amount as the Commissioner of Social Services may deem appropriate.

      (1971, P.A. 431, S. 4; P.A. 75-420, S. 4, 6; P.A. 77-614, S. 608, 610; P.A. 93-262, S. 1, 87.)

      History: P.A. 75-420 replaced welfare commissioner with commissioner of social services; P.A. 77-614 replaced commissioner of social services with commissioner of income maintenance, effective January 1, 1979; P.A. 93-262 authorized substitution of commissioner and department of social services for commissioner and department of income maintenance, effective July 1, 1993; Sec. 17-134j transferred to Sec. 17b-269 in 1995.

      Annotations to former section 17-134j:

      Cited. 168 C. 336. Cited. 204 C. 17. Cited. 216 C. 85.

      Annotation to present section:

      Cited as "17b-260 et seq. (providing for supplemental medical assistance)". 233 C. 557.

      Sec. 17b-270. (Formerly Sec. 17-134k). Liability of agency and its officers. (a) No individual designated pursuant to an agreement under section 17b-267 as a certifying officer shall, in the absence of gross negligence or intent to defraud the state, be liable with respect to any payments certified by him under section 17b-267.

      (b) No disbursing officer shall, in the absence of gross negligence or intent to defraud the state, be liable with respect to any payment by him under section 17b-267 if it was based upon a voucher signed by a certifying officer designated as provided in subsection (a) of this section.

      (c) No such agency or organization shall be liable to the state for any payments referred to in subsection (a) or (b) of this section.

      (1971, P.A. 431, S. 5.)

      History: Sec. 17-134k transferred to Sec. 17b-270 in 1995.

      Annotations to former section 17-134k:

      Cited. 168 C. 336. Cited. 204 C. 17. Cited. 216 C. 85.

      Annotation to present section:

      Cited as "17b-260 et seq. (providing for supplemental medical assistance)". 233 C. 557.

      Sec. 17b-271. (Formerly Sec. 17-134l). Termination of agreement. An agreement with the Commissioner of Social Services under section 17b-267 may be terminated: (1) By the agency or organization which entered into such agreement at such time and upon such notice to the Commissioner of Social Services, to the public, and to the providers as may be provided in regulations of the Commissioner of Social Services, or (2) by the Commissioner of Social Services at such time and upon such notice to the agency or organization, to the group or association of providers which have nominated it for purposes of section 17b-267, and to the public, as may be provided in said regulations, but only if he finds, after reasonable notice and opportunity for hearing to the agency or organization, that (A) the agency or organization has failed substantially to carry out the agreement, or (B) the continuation of some or all of the functions provided for in the agreement with the agency or organization is disadvantageous or is inconsistent with the efficient administration of the medical assistance program.

      (1971, P.A. 431, S. 3; P.A. 75-420, S. 4, 6; P.A. 77-614, S. 608, 610; P.A. 93-262, S. 1, 87.)

      History: P.A. 75-420 replaced welfare commissioner with commissioner of social services; P.A. 77-614 replaced commissioner of social services with commissioner of income maintenance, effective January 1, 1979; P.A. 93-262 authorized substitution of commissioner and department of social services for commissioner and department of income maintenance, effective July 1, 1993; Sec. 17-134l transferred to Sec. 17b-271 in 1995.

      Annotations to former section 17-134l:

      Cited. 168 C. 336. Cited. 204 C. 17. Cited. 216 C. 85.

      Annotation to present section:

      Cited as "17b-260 et seq. (providing for supplemental medical assistance)". 233 C. 557.

      Sec. 17b-272. (Formerly Sec. 17-134m). Personal fund allowance. Effective July 1, 1998, the Commissioner of Social Services shall permit patients residing in nursing homes, chronic disease hospitals and state humane institutions who are medical assistance recipients under sections 17b-260 to 17b-262, inclusive, 17b-264 to 17b-285, inclusive, and 17b-357 to 17b-361, inclusive, to have a monthly personal fund allowance of fifty dollars. Effective July 1, 1999, the commissioner shall increase such allowance annually to reflect the annual inflation adjustment in Social Security income, if any.

      (P.A. 81-320; P.A. 84-354, S. 1, 2; P.A. 85-367, S. 1; P.A. 87-367, S. 1, 2; June Sp. Sess. P.A. 91-8, S. 7, 63; P.A. 93-262, S. 1, 87; June 18 Sp. Sess. P.A. 97-2, S. 151, 165; P.A. 98-239, S. 3, 35; P.A. 05-280, S. 26.)

      History: P.A. 84-354 increased the allowance from twenty-eight to thirty dollars; P.A. 85-367 increased the allowance from thirty to thirty-five dollars; P.A. 87-367 increased the allowance from "thirty-five" to "forty" dollars and added the language re adjustments beginning July 1, 1988; June Sp. Sess. P.A. 91-8 reduced the allowance to an amount equal to the minimum permitted under Title XIX, beginning October 1, 1991, and deleted the previous forty-dollar allowance and the language re adjustments; P.A. 93-262 authorized substitution of commissioner and department of social services for commissioner and department of income maintenance, effective July 1, 1993; Sec. 17-134m transferred to Sec. 17b-272 in 1995; June 18 Sp. Sess. P.A. 97-2 added a provision effective July 1, 1998, requiring the commissioner to increase personal fund allowance annually to reflect any annual inflation adjustment in Social Security income, effective July 1, 1997; P.A. 98-239 substituted "July 1, 1998" for "October 1, 1991" as applicable date and increased the allowance to fifty dollars, deleting reference to "a level equal to the minimum permitted under Title XIX of the Social Security Act" and substituted "July 1, 1999" for "July 1, 1998" as applicable date for annual increases, effective July 1, 1998; P.A. 05-280 substituted reference to Sec. 17b-361 for reference to repealed Sec. 17b-362, effective July 1, 2005.

      Cited as "17b-260 et seq. (providing for supplemental medical assistance)". 233 C. 557.

      Sec. 17b-273. (Formerly Sec. 17-134o). Payment rate for ambulance rides eligible under medical assistance program. On and after April 1, 1983, the Commissioner of Social Services shall increase the payment rate for ambulance rides eligible under the state medical assistance program.

      (P.A. 82-350, S. 1, 4; P.A. 93-262, S. 1, 87.)

      History: P.A. 93-262 authorized substitution of commissioner and department of social services for commissioner and department of income maintenance, effective July 1, 1993; Sec. 17-134o transferred to Sec. 17b-273 in 1995.

      Cited as "17b-260 et seq. (providing for supplemental medical assistance)". 233 C. 557.

      Sec. 17b-274. (Formerly Sec. 17-134q). Periodic investigations of pharmacies by Division of Criminal Justice. Brand medically necessary. Procedure for prior approval to dispense brand name drug. Disclosure. (a) The Division of Criminal Justice shall periodically investigate pharmacies to ensure that the state is not billed for a brand name drug product when a less expensive generic substitute drug product is dispensed to a Medicaid recipient. The Commissioner of Social Services shall cooperate and provide information as requested by such division.

      (b) A licensed medical practitioner may specify in writing or by a telephonic or electronic communication that there shall be no substitution for the specified brand name drug product in any prescription for a Medicaid, state-administered general assistance, or ConnPACE recipient, provided (1) the practitioner specifies the basis on which the brand name drug product and dosage form is medically necessary in comparison to a chemically equivalent generic drug product substitution, and (2) the phrase "brand medically necessary" shall be in the practitioner's handwriting on the prescription form or, if the prohibition was communicated by telephonic communication, in the pharmacist's handwriting on such form, and shall not be preprinted or stamped or initialed on such form. If the practitioner specifies by telephonic communication that there shall be no substitution for the specified brand name drug product in any prescription for a Medicaid, state-administered general assistance, or ConnPACE recipient, written certification in the practitioner's handwriting bearing the phrase "brand medically necessary" shall be sent to the dispensing pharmacy within ten days. A pharmacist shall dispense a generically equivalent drug product for any drug listed in accordance with the Code of Federal Regulations Title 42 Part 447.332 for a drug prescribed for a Medicaid, state-administered general assistance, or ConnPACE recipient unless the phrase "brand medically necessary" is ordered in accordance with this subsection and such pharmacist has received approval to dispense the brand name drug product in accordance with subsection (c) of this section.

      (c) The Commissioner of Social Services shall implement a procedure by which a pharmacist shall obtain approval from an independent pharmacy consultant acting on behalf of the Department of Social Services, under an administrative services only contract, whenever the pharmacist dispenses a brand name drug product to a Medicaid, state-administered general assistance, or ConnPACE recipient and a chemically equivalent generic drug product substitution is available. The length of authorization for brand name drugs shall be in accordance with section 17b-491a. In cases where the brand name drug is less costly than the chemically equivalent generic drug when factoring in manufacturers' rebates, the pharmacist shall dispense the brand name drug. If such approval is not granted or denied within two hours of receipt by the commissioner of the request for approval, it shall be deemed granted. Notwithstanding any provision of this section, a pharmacist shall not dispense any initial maintenance drug prescription for which there is a chemically equivalent generic substitution that is for less than fifteen days without the department's granting of prior authorization, provided prior authorization shall not otherwise be required for atypical antipsychotic drugs if the individual is currently taking such drug at the time the pharmacist receives the prescription. The pharmacist may appeal a denial of reimbursement to the department based on the failure of such pharmacist to substitute a generic drug product in accordance with this section.

      (d) A licensed medical practitioner shall disclose to the Department of Social Services or such consultant, upon request, the basis on which the brand name drug product and dosage form is medically necessary in comparison to a chemically equivalent generic drug product substitution. The Commissioner of Social Services shall establish a procedure by which such a practitioner may appeal a determination that a chemically equivalent generic drug product substitution is required for a Medicaid, state-administered general assistance, or ConnPACE recipient.

      (P.A. 83-52, S. 1, 2, 4; P.A. 84-217, S. 1, 2; P.A. 89-111, S. 1; P.A. 93-262, S. 1, 87; P.A. 95-264, S. 46; P.A. 96-169, S. 13; June Sp. Sess. P.A. 00-2, S. 38, 53; May 9 Sp. Sess. P.A. 02-7, S. 50; P.A. 03-2, S. 52; June 30 Sp. Sess. P.A. 03-3, S. 84; P.A. 04-76, S. 16; P.A. 05-280, S. 16.)

      History: P.A. 84-217 removed language that limited payment of fee to the period from July 1, 1983, to June 30, 1984, and increased fee from twenty-five to fifty cents; P.A. 89-111 added a new Subsec. (c) containing provisions for when there is to be no substitute for the specified brand name drug product; P.A. 93-262 authorized substitution of commissioner and department of social services for commissioner and department of income maintenance, effective July 1, 1993; Sec. 17-134q transferred to Sec. 17b-274 in 1995; P.A. 95-264 made technical changes; P.A. 96-169 amended Subsec. (b) to require the Commissioner of Social Services to cooperate and provide information as requested by the Division of Criminal Justice; June Sp. Sess. P.A. 00-2 amended Subsec. (c) to apply provisions to state-administered general assistance, general assistance and ConnPACE recipients, to require specification of the basis of medical necessity and to add provision re approval to dispense, added new Subsec. (d) requiring the Commissioner of Social Services to establish a procedure for approval of dispensing brand name drug products and added new Subsec. (e) re disclosure of the basis of medical necessity, effective July 1, 2000; May 9 Sp. Sess. P.A. 02-7 deleted former Subsec. (a) re fifty cent per prescription dispensing fee, redesignated existing Subsecs. (b) to (e) as Subsecs. (a) to (d) and amended Subsec. (c) by changing "shall establish a procedure" to "shall implement a procedure" and adding requirement that pharmacist not dispense any initial maintenance drug prescription for less than fifteen days for which there is a chemically equivalent generic substitution without obtaining prior authorization from the department, such prior authorization not required for atypical antipsychotic drugs currently used by individuals at the time pharmacist receives prescription, effective August 15, 2002; P.A. 03-2 amended Subsec. (c) to add provision that chemically equivalent generic drug product substitution be available "at a lower cost" as condition precedent to requiring prior authorization for dispensing brand name drug product, effective February 28, 2003; June 30 Sp. Sess. P.A. 03-3 amended Subsec. (c) to delete "at a lower cost" and add provision re dispensing of brand name drug in cases where the brand name drug is less costly than the generic drug when factoring in manufacturers' rebates, effective August 20, 2003; P.A. 04-76 amended Subsecs. (b) to (d), inclusive, by deleting references to "general assistance"; P.A. 05-280 amended Subsec. (c) by deleting provision specifying that prior authorization procedure shall not require approval other than initial prescriptions for brand name drug products and adding requirement that length of authorization for brand name drugs shall be in accordance with Sec. 17b-491a, effective July 1, 2005.

      Cited as "17b-260 et seq. (providing for supplemental medical assistance)". 233 C. 557.

      Sec. 17b-274a. Maximum allowable costs for generic prescription drugs. Implementation of maximum allowable cost list. The Commissioner of Social Services may establish maximum allowable costs to be paid under the Medicaid, state-administered general assistance, ConnPACE and Connecticut AIDS drug assistance programs for generic prescription drugs based on, but not limited to, actual acquisition costs. The department shall implement and maintain a procedure to review and update the maximum allowable cost list at least annually, and shall report annually to the joint standing committee of the General Assembly having cognizance of matters relating to appropriations and the budgets of state agencies on its activities pursuant to this section.

      (May 9 Sp. Sess. P.A. 02-1, S. 118; May 9 Sp. Sess. P.A. 02-7, S. 53; P.A. 04-76, S. 17.)

      History: May 9 Sp. Sess. P.A. 02-1 effective July 1, 2002; May 9 Sp. Sess. P.A. 02-7 required department to implement and maintain a procedure to review and update the maximum allowable cost list at least annually and to report annually to the General Assembly, effective August 15, 2002; P.A. 04-76 deleted reference to "general assistance".

      See Sec. 17b-491a re increasing cost efficiency of prescription drug programs.

      Sec. 17b-274b. Pharmaceutical purchasing initiative. Annual report. Section 17b-274b is repealed, effective July 1, 2005.

      (May 9 Sp. Sess. P.A. 02-1, S. 123; May 9 Sp. Sess. P.A. 02-7, S. 56; P.A. 04-76, S. 18; P.A. 05-280, S. 104.)

      Sec. 17b-274c. Voluntary mail order option for maintenance prescription drugs and drugs covered under the Medicare Part D program. (a) The Commissioner of Social Services may establish a voluntary mail order option for any maintenance prescription drug covered under the Medicaid, state-administered general assistance, ConnPACE or Connecticut AIDS drug assistance programs.

      (b) Notwithstanding any provision of the general statutes or regulations adopted pursuant thereto, the Commissioner of Social Services may provide a voluntary mail order option, regardless of a mail order pharmacy's location, for any prescription drug covered under the Medicare Part D program established pursuant to Public Law 108-173, the Medicare Prescription Drug, Improvement, and Modernization Act of 2003.

      (May 9 Sp. Sess. P.A. 02-1, S. 120; P.A. 04-76, S. 19; Nov. 2 Sp. Sess. P.A. 05-2, S. 5.)

      History: May 9 Sp. Sess. P.A. 02-1 effective July 1, 2002; P.A. 04-76 deleted reference to "general assistance"; Nov. 2 Sp. Sess. P.A. 05-2 designated existing provisions as Subsec. (a) and added Subsec. (b) authorizing commissioner to provide a voluntary mail order option for any prescription drug covered under the Medicare Part D program, effective December 1, 2005.

      Sec. 17b-274d. Pharmaceutical and Therapeutics Committee. Membership. Duties. Preferred drug lists. Supplemental rebates. Administrative hearings. (a) Pursuant to 42 USC 1396r-8, there is established a Pharmaceutical and Therapeutics Committee within the Department of Social Services.

      (b) The Pharmaceutical and Therapeutics Committee shall be comprised as specified in 42 USC 1396r-8 and shall consist of fourteen members appointed by the Governor. Five members shall be physicians licensed pursuant to chapter 370, including one general practitioner, one pediatrician, one geriatrician, one psychiatrist and one specialist in family planning, four members shall be pharmacists licensed pursuant to chapter 400j, two members shall be visiting nurses, one specializing in adult care and one specializing in psychiatric care, one member shall be a clinician designated by the Commissioner of Mental Health and Addiction Services, one member shall be a representative of pharmaceutical manufacturers and one member shall be a consumer representative. The committee may, on an ad hoc basis, seek the participation of other state agencies or other interested parties in its deliberations. The members shall serve for terms of two years from the date of their appointment. Members may be appointed to more than one term. The Commissioner of Social Services, or the commissioner's designee, shall convene the committee following the Governor's designation of appointments. The administrative staff of the Department of Social Services shall serve as staff for said committee and assist with all ministerial duties. The Governor shall ensure that the committee membership includes Medicaid participating physicians and pharmacists, with experience serving recipients of medical assistance.

      (c) Committee members shall select a chairperson and vice-chairperson from the committee membership on an annual basis.

      (d) The committee shall meet at least quarterly, and may meet at other times at the discretion of the chairperson and committee membership. The committee shall comply with all regulations adopted by the department, including notice of any meeting of the committee, pursuant to the requirements of chapter 54.

      (e) The Department of Social Services, in consultation with the Pharmaceutical and Therapeutics Committee, may adopt preferred drug lists for use in the Medicaid, state-administered general assistance and ConnPACE programs. The Department of Social Services, upon entering into a contract for the provision of prescription drug coverage to medical assistance recipients receiving services in a managed care setting as provided by section 17b-266a, shall in consultation with the Pharmaceutical and Therapeutics Committee, expand the preferred drug list for use in the HUSKY Plan, Part A and Part B. To the extent feasible, the department shall review all drugs included on the preferred drug lists at least every twelve months, and may recommend additions to, and deletions from, the preferred drug lists, to ensure that the preferred drug lists provide for medically appropriate drug therapies for Medicaid, state-administered general assistance and ConnPACE patients. For the fiscal year ending June 30, 2004, such drug lists shall be limited to use in the Medicaid and ConnPACE programs and cover three classes of drugs, including proton pump inhibitors and two other classes of drugs determined by the Commissioner of Social Services. Not later than June 30, 2005, the Department of Social Services, in consultation with the Pharmaceutical and Therapeutic Committee shall expand such drug lists to include other classes of drugs, except as provided in subsection (f) of this section, in order to achieve savings reflected in the amounts appropriated to the department, for the various components of the program, in the state budget act.

      (f) Nonpreferred drugs in the classes of drugs included on the preferred drug lists shall be subject to prior authorization. If prior authorization is granted for a drug not included on a preferred drug list, the authorization shall be valid for one year from the date the prescription is first filled. Mental-health-related and antiretroviral classes of drugs shall not be included on the preferred drug lists.

      (g) The Department of Social Services shall publish and disseminate the preferred drug lists to all Medicaid providers in the state.

      (h) The department may negotiate supplemental rebate agreements with manufacturers that are in addition to those required under Title XIX of the Social Security Act. The committee shall ensure that the pharmaceutical manufacturers agreeing to provide a supplemental rebate pursuant to 42 USC 1396r-8(c) have an opportunity to present evidence supporting inclusion of a product on the preferred drug lists unless a court of competent jurisdiction, in a final decision, determines that the Secretary of Health and Human Services does not have authority to allow such supplemental rebates, provided the inability to utilize supplemental rebates pursuant to this subsection shall not impair the committee's authority to maintain preferred drug lists. Upon timely notice, the department shall ensure that any drug that has been approved, or had any of its particular uses approved, by the United States Food and Drug Administration under a priority review classification, will be reviewed by the Pharmaceutical and Therapeutics Committee at the next regularly scheduled meeting. To the extent feasible, upon notice by a pharmaceutical manufacturer, the department shall also schedule a product review for any new product at the next regularly scheduled meeting of the Pharmaceutical and Therapeutics Committee.

      (i) Factors considered by the department and the Pharmaceutical and Therapeutics Committee in developing the preferred drug lists shall include, but not be limited to, clinical efficacy, safety and cost effectiveness of a product.

      (j) The Pharmaceutical and Therapeutics Committee may also make recommendations to the department regarding the prior authorization of any prescribed drug.

      (k) A recipient who is denied a nonpreferred drug may request an administrative hearing in accordance with section 17b-60.

      (l) The Commissioner of Social Services may contract with a pharmacy benefits organization or a single entity qualified to negotiate with pharmaceutical manufacturers for supplemental rebates, available pursuant to 42 USC 1396r-8(c), for the purchase of drugs listed on the preferred drug lists established pursuant to subsection (e) of this section.

      (May 9 Sp. Sess. P.A. 02-1, S. 121; May 9 Sp. Sess. P.A. 02-7, S. 52; P.A. 03-2, S. 19; 03-278, S. 63; June 30 Sp. Sess. P.A. 03-3, S. 83; P.A. 04-258, S. 8, 43; May Sp. Sess. P.A. 04-2, S. 41; P.A. 05-280, S. 18; 05-288, S. 71.)

      History: May 9 Sp. Sess. P.A. 02-1 effective July 1, 2002; May 9 Sp. Sess. P.A. 02-7 amended Subsec. (h) by adding provision re implementation of supplemental rebate program subject to determination by a court of competent jurisdiction re federal authority to allow such rebates, effective August 15, 2002; P.A. 03-2 amended Subsec. (a) to require committee to convene on or before March 31, 2003, amended Subsec. (e) to require Department of Social Services to adopt preferred drug list on or before July 1, 2003, to replace provision re department's adoption of preferred drug list upon recommendation of committee with provision re adoption of preferred drug list in consultation with committee, and to substitute "department" for "committee" re review of drugs included in the preferred drug list, and amended Subsec. (i) to add "the department and" re development of the preferred drug list, effective February 28, 2003; P.A. 03-278 made technical changes in Subsec. (h), effective July 9, 2003; June 30 Sp. Sess. P.A. 03-3 amended Subsec. (b) to increase size of committee from eleven to fourteen members, to further specify the professional qualifications required of the committee membership, and to add provisions re committee may seek participation of other state agencies and interested parties, and re committee to convene after Governor's designation of appointments, amended Subsec. (e) to add references to the Medicaid and ConnPACE programs re use of preferred drug list, to provide that for fiscal year ending June 30, 2004, preferred drug list is limited to proton pump inhibitors and two other classes of drugs to be determined by commissioner and to add provision re notice to legislative committees, amended Subsec. (j) to add "in accordance with the plan developed and implemented pursuant to section 17b-491a" and added new Subsec. (l) re application of section to state-administered general assistance program, effective August 20, 2003; P.A. 04-258 amended Subsec. (a) by deleting provision re date by which committee was to convene, amended Subsecs. (e) through (i), inclusive, by replacing "preferred drug list" with "preferred drug lists" and making conforming changes, amended Subsec. (e) by providing that use of preferred drug list would be expanded to HUSKY Plan, Part A and Part B upon the Department of Social Services entering into a contract for the provision of prescription drug coverage pursuant to Sec. 17b-266a, adding provision re use of preferred drug lists for the fiscal year ending June 30, 2004, only in the Medicaid and ConnPACE programs, deleting provision re notification by commissioner by January 1, 2004, of classes of drugs on preferred drug list and adding provision re expansion of drug lists by June 30, 2005, to include other classes of drugs, amended Subsec. (f) by adding "medications used to treat diabetes, asthma or cancer" to the types of drugs not subject to prior authorization requirements, moved provision in former Subsec. (l) re application of section to state-administered general assistance program to Subsec. (e), and added new Subsec. (l) re commissioner's authority to negotiate with pharmaceutical manufacturers for supplemental rebates for drugs on preferred drug lists, effective July 1, 2004; May Sp. Sess. P.A. 04-2 amended Subsec. (f) by deleting "medications used to treat diabetes, asthma or cancer" re the types of drugs not subject to prior authorization requirements, effective July 1, 2004; P.A. 05-280 amended Subsecs. (a), (b), (e) and (h) to (j), inclusive, to delete "Medicaid" from the name of the Pharmaceutical and Therapeutics Committee, amended Subsec. (b) to substitute "recipients of medical assistance" for "all segments of the Medicaid population", amended Subsec. (e) by substituting "may" for "shall" re adoption of preferred drug lists, amended Subsec. (f) by providing that nonpreferred drugs in the classes of drugs included on the preferred drug lists shall be subject to prior authorization, specifying that the length of prior authorization shall be for one year from the date the prescription is first filled and exempting mental-health-related and antiretroviral classes of drugs from inclusion on the preferred drug lists, amended Subsec. (h) by providing that department may negotiate supplemental rebate agreements with manufacturers that supplement those required by Title XIX of the Social Security Act, amended Subsec. (j) by removing provision that limited committee's recommendation to drugs covered by Medicaid in accordance with the plan developed pursuant to Sec. 17b-491a, and replaced former Subsec. (k) re Medicaid recipients appeal of preferred drug list determinations utilizing Medicaid fair hearing process with new Subsec. (k) providing that a recipient denied a nonpreferred drug may request an administrative hearing in accordance with Sec. 17b-60, effective July 1, 2005; P.A. 05-288 made a technical change in Subsec. (f), effective July 13, 2005.

      See Secs. 17b-274, 17b-491a re required prior authorization for brand name prescriptions.

      Sec. 17b-274e. Prescription drugs. Utilization of cost-efficient dosages. A pharmacist, when filling a prescription under the Medicaid, ConnPACE, Connecticut AIDS drug assistance or the state-administered general assistance programs, shall fill such prescription utilizing the most cost-efficient dosage, consistent with the prescription of a prescribing practitioner as defined in section 20-571, unless such pharmacist receives permission to do otherwise pursuant to the prior authorization requirements set forth in sections 17b-274 and 17b-491a.

      (June 30 Sp. Sess. P.A. 03-3, S. 82.)

      History: June 30 Sp. Sess. P.A. 03-3 effective August 20, 2003.

      Sec. 17b-275. (Formerly Sec. 17-134r). Physician and pharmacy lock-in procedure. The Commissioner of Social Services shall implement, not later than October 1, 1984, a physician and pharmacy lock-in procedure to restrict the use of the health care delivery system by medical assistance recipients who are determined by the commissioner to have utilized medical services or items at a frequency or amount that is not medically necessary. The commissioner shall establish criteria and a case review system in order to make such determination. The commissioner shall require such recipients for a reasonable period of time to obtain medical services or items only from designated providers provided (1) the department gives the recipient notice and an opportunity for a hearing, in accordance with procedures established by the department, before such restrictions are imposed and (2) the department assures that the recipient has reasonable access, taking into account geographic location and reasonable travel time, to medical services of adequate quality.

      (P.A. 84-352, S. 1, 4; P.A. 93-262, S. 1, 87.)

      History: P.A. 93-262 authorized substitution of commissioner and department of social services for commissioner and department of income maintenance, effective July 1, 1993; Sec. 17-134r transferred to Sec. 17b-275 in 1995.

      Cited as "17b-260 et seq. (providing for supplemental medical assistance)". 233 C. 557.

      Sec. 17b-276. (Formerly Sec. 17-134s). Competitive bidding process for nonemergency transportation services. Fee schedules. (a) The Commissioner of Social Services shall identify geographic areas of the state where competitive bidding for nonemergency transportation services provided to medical assistance recipients to access covered medical services would result in cost savings to the state. For the identified areas, the Commissioner of Social Services, in consultation with the Commissioner of Transportation, the Commissioner of Public Health and the Secretary of the Office of Policy and Management, shall purchase such nonemergency transportation services through a competitive bidding process. Any transportation providers awarded a contract or subcontract for the direct provision of such services shall meet state licensure or certification requirements and the nonemergency transportation requirements established by the Department of Social Services, and shall provide the most cost effective transportation service, provided any contractor awarded a contract solely for coordinating such transportation services shall not be required to meet such licensure or certification requirements and provided the first such contracts for the purchase of such services shall not exceed one year. Prior to awarding a contract pursuant to this section, the Commissioner of Social Services shall consider the effect of the contract on the emergency ambulance primary service areas and volunteer ambulance services affected by the contract. The commissioner may limit the geographic areas to be served by a contractor and may limit the amount of services to be performed by a contractor. The commissioner may operate one or more pilot programs prior to state-wide operation of a competitive bidding program for nonemergency transportation services. By enrolling in the Medicaid program or participating in the competitively bid contract for nonemergency transportation services, providers of nonemergency transportation services agree to offer to recipients of medical assistance all types or levels of transportation services for which they are licensed or certified. Effective October 1, 1991, payment for such services shall be made only for services provided to an eligible recipient who is actually transported. A contract entered into pursuant to this section may include services provided by another state agency. Notwithstanding any provision of the general statutes, a contract entered into pursuant to this section shall establish the rates to be paid for the transportation services provided under the contract. A contract entered into pursuant to this section may include services provided by another state agency and shall supersede any conflicting provisions of the regulations of Connecticut state agencies pertaining to medical transportation services.

      (b) Notwithstanding any other provision of the general statutes, for purposes of administering medical assistance programs, including, but not limited to, the state-administered general assistance program and programs administered pursuant to Title XIX or Title XXI of the Social Security Act, the Department of Social Services shall be the sole state agency that sets emergency and nonemergency medical transportation fees or fee schedules for any transportation services that are reimbursed by the department for said medical assistance programs.

      (P.A. 85-505, S. 12, 21; P.A. 86-403, S. 37, 132; June Sp. Sess. P.A. 91-8, S. 8, 63; P.A. 93-262, S. 1, 87; P.A. 96-268, S. 15, 34; May 9 Sp. Sess. P.A. 02-7, S. 61; P.A. 03-278, S. 64.)

      History: P.A. 86-403 made technical changes; June Sp. Sess. P.A. 91-8 required that medical transportation service providers offer medical assistance recipients all types and levels of service which are provided, and that payment of services shall only be rendered to providers who transport eligible recipients; P.A. 93-262 authorized substitution of commissioner and department of social services for commissioner and department of income maintenance, effective July 1, 1993; Sec. 17-134s transferred to Sec. 17b-276 in 1995; P.A. 96-268 replaced "medical transportation services" with "nonemergency transportation services", required consultation with Commissioners of Transportation and Public Health and the Secretary of the Office of Policy and Management, required transportation providers to meet licensure or certification requirements, required commissioner to consider the effect of a contract on the emergency ambulance primary service areas, required transportation providers to agree to offer Medicaid recipients all types of services provided, allowed contracts to include services provided by other state agencies and required contracts to establish rates to be paid for services, effective July 1, 1996; May 9 Sp. Sess. P.A. 02-7 designated existing provisions as Subsec. (a) and amended same by adding provisions re contract may include services provided by another state agency and supersedes any conflicting provisions of medical transportation services regulations, and added Subsec. (b) re exclusive authority of Department of Social Services in setting emergency and nonemergency medical transportation fees for medical assistance programs, effective August 15, 2002; P.A. 03-278 made technical changes in Subsec. (a), effective July 9, 2003.

      See Sec. 17b-276a re amendment to Medicaid state plan to reduce expenditures for nonemergency medical transportation.

      Cited as "17b-260 et seq. (providing for supplemental medical assistance)". 233 C. 557.

      Sec. 17b-276a. Amendment to Medicaid state plan to reduce expenditures for Medicaid nonemergency medical transportation. Limitations. Notwithstanding any provision of the general statutes, on or before June 30, 2003, the Commissioner of Social Services, in consultation with the Secretary of the Office of Policy and Management, may submit an amendment to the Medicaid state plan or implement changes necessary to reduce expenditures for Medicaid nonemergency medical transportation, provided in implementing such efficiencies or reduction of services no category of eligible need shall be eliminated other than the reimbursement for personal vehicle use.

      (May 9 Sp. Sess. P.A. 02-7, S. 60.)

      History: May 9 Sp. Sess. P.A. 02-7 effective August 15, 2002.

      See Sec. 17b-276 re competitive bidding process for nonemergency transportation services.

      Sec. 17b-277. (Formerly Sec. 17-134u). Medical assistance for needy pregnant women and children. Expedited eligibility. Administrative processing requirements. Biannual reports. (a) The Commissioner of Social Services shall provide, in accordance with federal law and regulations, medical assistance under the Medicaid program to needy pregnant women and children up to one year of age whose families have an income up to one hundred eighty-five per cent of the federal poverty level.

      (b) The commissioner shall expedite eligibility for appropriate pregnant women applicants for the Medicaid program. The process for making expedited eligibility determinations concerning needy pregnant women shall ensure that emergency applications for assistance, as determined by the commissioner, shall be processed no later than twenty-four hours after receipt of all required information from the applicant, and that nonemergency applications for assistance, as determined by the commissioner, shall be processed no later than five calendar days after the date of receipt of all required information from the applicant.

      (c) The commissioner shall submit biannual reports to the council, established pursuant to section 17b-28, on the department's compliance with the administrative processing requirements set forth in subsection (b) of this section.

      (P.A. 88-217, S. 1, 2; P.A. 90-134, S. 4, 28; P.A. 93-262, S. 1, 87; June 18 Sp. Sess. P.A. 97-2, S. 72, 165; P.A. 05-280, S. 8.)

      History: P.A. 90-134 added Subsec. (b) re presumptive eligibility; P.A. 93-262 authorized substitution of commissioner and department of social services for commissioner and department of income maintenance, effective July 1, 1993; Sec. 17-134u transferred to Sec. 17b-277 in 1995; June 18 Sp. Sess. P.A. 97-2 made technical changes, effective July 1, 1997; P.A. 05-280 amended Subsec. (b) by replacing provisions re presumptive eligibility for pregnant women with respect to Medicaid program with provisions re expedited eligibility and requiring that emergency applications be processed no later than twenty-four hours after receipt of all required information and that nonemergency applications be processed no later than five calendar days after the date of receipt of all required information, and added new Subsec. (c) requiring commissioner to submit biannual reports to Medicaid managed care council, effective July 1, 2005.

      Cited as "17b-260 et seq. (providing for supplemental medical assistance)". 233 C. 557.

      Sec. 17b-277a. Program to inform applicants to the Healthy Start program of services provided by the Nurturing Families Network. The Commissioners of Public Health, Social Services and Mental Health and Addiction Services shall jointly establish a program to inform applicants to the Healthy Start program about the availability of, and eligibility for, services provided by the Nurturing Families Network established pursuant to section 17a-56.

      (P.A. 06-164, S. 2.)

      History: P.A. 06-164 effective July 1, 2006.

      Sec. 17b-278. (Formerly Sec. 17-134z). Home leave absences for certain medical assistance recipients. The Commissioner of Social Services shall amend the state's Medicaid plan to increase to thirty-six days per year the number of home leave absences allowed for a resident of an intermediate care facility for the mentally retarded who is receiving medical assistance.

      (P.A. 91-21; P.A. 93-262, S. 1, 87.)

      History: P.A. 93-262 authorized substitution of commissioner and department of social services for commissioner and department of income maintenance, effective July 1, 1993; Sec. 17-134z transferred to Sec. 17b-278 in 1995.

      Cited as "17b-260 et seq. (providing for supplemental medical assistance)". 233 C. 557.

      Sec. 17b-278a. Coverage for treatment for smoking cessation. The Commissioner of Social Services shall amend the Medicaid state plan to provide coverage for treatment for smoking cessation ordered by a licensed healthcare professional who possesses valid and current state licensure to prescribe such drugs in accordance with a plan developed by the commissioner to provide smoking cessation services. The commissioner shall present such plan to the joint standing committees of the General Assembly having cognizance of matters relating to human services and appropriations by January 1, 2003, and, if such plan is approved by said committees and funding is provided in the budget for the fiscal year ending June 30, 2004, such plan shall be implemented on July 1, 2003.

      (P.A. 99-250, S. 1; P.A. 02-4, S. 19.)

      History: P.A. 02-4 mandated provision of coverage for treatment ordered by licensed healthcare professional in accordance with plan approved by General Assembly committees, deleting provisions re treatment ordered by licensed physician to extent permitted by federal law and re coverage limited to maximum of four hundred dollars per person per year, effective July 1, 2002.

      Sec. 17b-278b. Medical assistance for breast and cervical cancer. (a) The Commissioner of Social Services shall provide coverage under the Medicaid program in accordance with Public Law 106-354 to women diagnosed with breast or cervical cancer. The commissioner shall seek any federal waivers or amend the state Medicaid plan as necessary in order to secure federal reimbursement for the costs of providing coverage under the Medicaid program to such women. Such coverage shall not be dependent on the available income or assets of an applicant.

      (b) To qualify for medical assistance under this section, a woman shall: (1) Have been screened for breast or cervical cancer under the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention's National Breast and Cervical Cancer Early Detection Program and found to be in need of treatment for breast or cervical cancer, including a precancerous condition of the breast or cervix; (2) not otherwise have creditable coverage, as defined in 42 USC 300gg(c); (3) not have attained the age of sixty-five years; (4) not be eligible under any mandatory Medicaid eligibility group; and (5) be a resident of this state and a United States citizen or a qualified alien, as defined in Section 431 of Public Law 104-193.

      (c) The commissioner shall deem an applicant who has been determined eligible for medical assistance under this section as having been eligible for up to three months prior to the month in which an application was filed if the requirements in subsection (b) of this section were met during such three-month period. An individual determined eligible for medical assistance under this section shall remain eligible until the individual's course of treatment is completed or until eligibility criteria set forth in subsection (b) of this section are no longer met. The commissioner shall establish procedures for the granting of presumptive eligibility in order to ensure prompt access to services for applicants.

      (d) The Commissioner of Social Services shall implement policies and procedures necessary to carry out the provisions of this section while in the process of adopting such policies and procedures in regulation form in accordance with chapter 54, provided notice of intention to adopt the regulations is published in the Connecticut Law Journal within twenty days of implementation of such policies and procedures. Such policies and procedures shall be valid until the time final regulations are effective.

      (P.A. 00-216, S. 5, 28; June Sp. Sess. P.A. 01-2, S. 7, 69; June Sp. Sess. P.A. 01-9, S. 129, 131.)

      History: P.A. 00-216 effective July 1, 2000; June Sp. Sess. P.A. 01-2 designated existing provisions as Subsec. (a), replaced provisions therein authorizing commissioner to seek federal reimbursement for costs of providing treatment and other medical services under Sec. 19a-266 to women diagnosed with breast or cervical cancer with provisions directing commissioner to provide coverage under the Medicaid program to such women, and added new Subsecs. (b) to (d) re medical assistance under section, effective July 2, 2001; June Sp. Sess. P.A. 01-9 revised effective date of June Sp. Sess. P.A. 01-2 but without affecting this section.

      Sec. 17b-278c. Amendment to state Medicaid plan to provide mammogram examinations to certain women. The Commissioner of Social Services, to the extent permitted by federal law, shall amend the Medicaid state plan to provide coverage for mammographic examinations for any woman eligible for Medicaid that is at least equal to the following minimum requirements: (1) A baseline mammogram for any such woman who is thirty-five to thirty-nine years of age, inclusive; and (2) a mammogram every year for any such woman who is forty years of age or older.

      (P.A. 01-171, S. 24, 25.)

      Sec. 17b-278d. Amendment to state Medicaid plan and state children's health insurance plan to provide neuropsychological testing for children diagnosed with cancer. The Commissioner of Social Services, to the extent permitted by federal law, shall take such action as may be necessary to amend the Medicaid state plan and the state children's health insurance plan to provide coverage without prior authorization for each child diagnosed with cancer on or after January 1, 2000, who is covered under the HUSKY Plan, Part A or Part B, for neuropsychological testing ordered by a licensed physician, to assess the extent of any cognitive or developmental delays in such child due to chemotherapy or radiation treatment.

      (P.A. 06-131, S. 1.)

      History: P.A. 06-131 effective June 6, 2006.

      Sec. 17b-279. (Formerly Sec. 17-134aa). Medicaid prescription drug utilization review. Erectile dysfunction drugs. Prior authorization requirement and coverage limitation. Report. The Commissioner of Social Services shall verify the propriety and reasonableness of payments to providers for drugs provided to Medicaid recipients through field audit examinations and other reasonable means to the extent possible within available appropriations. To the extent permitted by federal law, the commissioner shall require prior authorization for coverage of drugs for the treatment of erectile dysfunction. To the extent permitted by federal law, the commissioner may limit or exclude coverage for drugs for the treatment of erectile dysfunction for persons who have been convicted of a sexual offense who are required to register with the Commissioner of Public Safety pursuant to chapter 969. The commissioner shall document financial and utilization statistics as to drugs provided to Medicaid recipients by therapeutic category and shall outline problems encountered in the administration of prescription drug utilization in the Medicaid program, suggested solutions and any recommendations for improvement.

      (P.A. 89-296, S. 1, 9; P.A. 91-190, S. 1, 9; P.A. 93-262, S. 1, 87; May 9 Sp. Sess. P.A. 02-7, S. 88; P.A. 03-268, S. 8; P.A. 05-280, S. 15.)

      History: P.A. 91-190 amended Subsec. (a) to eliminate advisory panel to review prescription drug utilization in the Medicaid program and repealed Subsec. (b) requiring commissioner to study feasibility of (1) implementing a limited formulary of high volume drugs for medical assistance recipients and (2) a rebate to the state from a pharmaceutical manufacturer or direct distributor of a percentage of total sales to the state, and to report results to general assembly committees by February 15, 1990; P.A. 93-262 authorized substitution of commissioner and department of social services for commissioner and department of income maintenance, effective July 1, 1993; Sec. 17-134aa transferred to Sec. 17b-279 in 1995; May 9 Sp. Sess. P.A. 02-7 deleted ", including the generic incentive dispensing fee", effective September 1, 2002; P.A. 03-268 deleted requirement that commissioner submit annual report to human services and appropriations committees; P.A. 05-280 required commissioner to implement prior authorization for coverage of drugs for the treatment of erectile dysfunction under the Medicaid program and permitted commissioner to limit or exclude coverage for such drugs for persons who have been convicted of a sexual offense who are required to register with the Commissioner of Public Safety pursuant to chapter 969, effective July 1, 2005.

      Cited as "17b-260 et seq. (providing for supplemental medical assistance)". 233 C. 557.

      Sec. 17b-280. (Formerly Sec. 17-134bb). Reimbursement rate for legend drugs. Dispensing fee. Reimbursement for over-the-counter drugs and products. Dispensing fee exception. Enhanced dispensing fee. (a) The state shall reimburse for all legend drugs provided under the Medicaid, state-administered general assistance, ConnPACE and Connecticut AIDS drug assistance programs at the lower of (1) the rate established by the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services as the federal acquisition cost, (2) the average wholesale price minus fourteen per cent, or (3) an equivalent percentage as established under the Medicaid state plan. The commissioner shall also establish a professional fee of three dollars and fifteen cents for each prescription to be paid to licensed pharmacies for dispensing drugs to Medicaid, ConnPACE and Connecticut AIDS drug assistance recipients in accordance with federal regulations; and on and after September 4, 1991, payment for legend and nonlegend drugs provided to Medicaid recipients shall be based upon the actual package size dispensed. Effective October 1, 1991, reimbursement for over-the-counter drugs for such recipients shall be limited to those over-the-counter drugs and products published in the Connecticut Formulary, or the cross reference list, issued by the commissioner. The cost of all over-the-counter drugs and products provided to residents of nursing facilities, chronic disease hospitals, and intermediate care facilities for the mentally retarded shall be included in the facilities' per diem rate. Notwithstanding the provisions of this subsection, no dispensing fee shall be issued for a prescription drug dispensed to a ConnPACE or Medicaid recipient who is a Medicare Part D beneficiary when the prescription drug is a Medicare Part D drug, as defined in Public Law 108-173, the Medicare Prescription Drug, Improvement, and Modernization Act of 2003.

      (b) The Department of Social Services may provide an enhanced dispensing fee to a pharmacy enrolled in the federal Office of Pharmacy Affairs Section 340B drug discount program established pursuant to 42 USC 256b or a pharmacy under contract to provide services under said program.

      (P.A. 89-296, S. 2, 9; June Sp. Sess. P.A. 91-8, S. 9, 63; May 9 Sp. Sess. P.A. 02-1, S. 122; P.A. 03-2, S. 11; June 30 Sp. Sess. P.A. 03-3, S. 52; P.A. 04-76, S. 20; 04-258, S. 10; May Sp. Sess. P.A. 04-2, S. 85; P.A. 05-280, S. 4.)

      History: June Sp. Sess. P.A. 91-8 divided the subsection into Subdivs., substituted "Medicaid" for "medical aid" and June 30 Sp. Sess. P.A. 03-3 relettered existing provision as Subsec. (a), provision amended to provide effective October 1, 2003 professional dispensing fee paid to pharmacies lowered from three dollars and sixty cents to three dollars and thirty cents, added new Subsec. (b) to allow commissioner to provide an enhanced dispensing fee to a pharmacy enrolled in, or under contract to provide services, under the federal Office of Pharmacy Affairs drug discount program, effective August 20, 2003, added a new Subdiv. (2) re payment for legend and nonlegend drugs and basing the payment on the actual package size dispensed, limitation on the reimbursement of over-the-counter drugs as of October 1, 1991, and the inclusion in the rate of the cost of over-the-counter drugs for nursing facilities, chronic disease hospitals and the intermediate care facilities for the mentally retarded; Sec. 17-134bb transferred to Sec. 17b-280 in 1995; May 9 Sp. Sess. P.A. 02-1 amended Subdiv. (1) to provide that reimbursement for legend drugs applies to the Medicaid, state-administered general assistance, general assistance, ConnPACE and Connecticut AIDS drug assistance programs and that, effective September 1, 2002, the dispensing fee paid to licensed pharmacists is three dollars and eighty-five cents per prescription, effective July 1, 2002; P.A. 03-2 deleted "Notwithstanding any provision of the regulations of Connecticut state agencies concerning payment for drugs provide to Medicaid recipients (1) effective July 1, 1989", provided that effective March 1, 2003, the dispensing fee is three dollars and sixty cents per prescription and made technical changes, effective February 28, 2003; June 30 Sp. Sess. P.A. 03-3 designated existing provisions as Subsec. (a) and, effective October 1, 2003, lowered professional dispensing fee paid to pharmacies from three dollars and sixty cents to three dollars and thirty cents and added new Subsec.(b) re enhanced dispensing fee to pharmacy enrolled in, or under contract to provide services under, the federal Office of Pharmacy Affairs drug discount program, effective August 20, 2003; P.A. 04-76 amended Subsec. (a) by deleting references to "general assistance"; P.A. 04-258 amended Subsec. (a) by deleting "Effective October 1, 2003," and by lowering the professional dispensing fee paid to pharmacies from three dollars and thirty cents to three dollars and fifteen cents, effective July 1, 2004; May Sp. Sess. P.A. 04-2 amended Subsec. (a) to delete "state-administered general assistance" from the list of programs for which commissioner pays a professional fee to licensed pharmacies for dispensing drugs to program recipients, effective July 1, 2004; P.A. 05-280 amended Subsec. (a) by substituting "Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services" for "Health Care Finance Administration", providing that reimbursement rate for legend drugs shall be the lower of rate established by said Centers, the average wholesale price minus fourteen per cent or an equivalent percentage as established under the Medicaid state plan, deleting language re commissioner's authority to establish and periodically revise estimated acquisition cost in accordance with federal regulations, and providing that no dispensing fee shall be issued for prescription drugs dispensed to a ConnPACE or Medicaid recipient who is a Medicare Part D beneficiary when the prescription drug is a Medicare Part D drug, effective July 1, 2005.

      Cited as "17b-260 et seq. (providing for supplemental medical assistance)". 233 C. 557.

      Sec. 17b-281. (Formerly Sec. 17-134cc). Payment of oxygen products and services under medical assistance program. Notwithstanding any provision of the regulations of Connecticut state agencies, effective July 1, 1989, the state shall pay for oxygen products and services for Medicaid recipients when such recipients meet the medical criteria for coverage under the Medicare program, except that payment for oxygen products and services via oxygen concentrators in rest homes with nursing supervision and in chronic and convalescent homes shall be included in the per diem reimbursement rate established by the Commissioner of Social Services. Reimbursement for alternative oxygen products and services in such facilities may be made if substantiated by medical necessity.

      (P.A. 89-296, S. 3, 9; P.A. 93-262, S. 1, 87.)

      History: P.A. 93-262 authorized substitution of commissioner and department of social services for commissioner and department of income maintenance, effective July 1, 1993; Sec. 17-134cc transferred to Sec. 17b-281 in 1995.

      Cited as "17b-260 et seq. (providing for supplemental medical assistance)". 233 C. 557.

      Sec. 17b-281a. Procedure for preauthorization of purchase or rental of durable medical equipment. (a) The Commissioner of Social Services shall extend the procedure in effect on October 1, 1998, for the preauthorization of the purchase or rental of new durable medical equipment and modification or repair of existing equipment to include services provided to Medicaid recipients who are also recipients of Medicare. The commissioner may enter into any necessary agreements with the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services to ensure the coordination of authorization and payment for durable medical equipment for such recipients.

      (b) Access to such procedure shall not be denied to a recipient on the basis that a Medicare coverage determination has not been made prior to the submission of a request for preauthorization to the commissioner. The commissioner shall not make payment for an item to a supplier of durable medical equipment on behalf of a Medicare recipient until the commissioner has received documentation establishing that a claim has been filed with, and a coverage and reimbursement decision has been rendered under, the Medicare program.

      (P.A. 98-239, S. 6; P.A. 03-19, S. 41.)

      History: P.A. 03-19 replaced "Health Care Financing Administration" with "Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services" in Subsec. (a), effective May 12, 2003.

      Sec. 17b-281b. Used durable medical equipment. Payments to vendors or suppliers. The Commissioner of Social Services may authorize payment for used durable medical equipment to a vendor or supplier of durable medical equipment enrolled as a medical equipment, devices and supplies provider under the Medicaid program.

      (June Sp. Sess. P.A. 01-2, S. 8, 69; June Sp. Sess. P.A. 01-9, S. 129, 131; May 9 Sp. Sess. P.A. 02-7, S. 48.)

      History: June Sp. Sess. P.A. 01-2 effective July 2, 2001; June Sp. Sess. P.A. 01-9 revised effective date of June Sp. Sess. P.A. 01-2 but without affecting this section; May 9 Sp. Sess. P.A. 02-7 amended section to permit commissioner to authorize payment to a vendor or supplier of used durable medical equipment provided under the Medicaid program and eliminated requirement that commissioner seek federal waiver to provide coverage for such equipment, effective August 15, 2002.

      Sec. 17b-281c. Authority of commissioner to modify medical equipment fee schedules. The Commissioner of Social Services may modify the state medical assistance durable medical equipment, medical surgical supply, oxygen, orthotic and prosthetic devices and hearing aid fee schedules, applicable regulations, policies and procedures or purchase of service contracts to achieve any expenditure reductions adopted under public act 03-1 of the June 30 special session*. In the event that such modifications require revisions to any existing state regulations, the commissioner may make such modifications while in the process of adopting the modifications in regulation form provided the commissioner publishes notice of any modifications of regulations in the Connecticut Law Journal within twenty days of implementation of such modifications. Such modifications may include, but shall not be limited to: (1) A change in the reimbursement to customized manually priced devices to a formula based on a percentage of list or acquisition of costs; (2) a percentage reduction in payments to all other durable medical equipment, medical surgical supply, oxygen, orthotic and prosthetic devices and hearing aid providers; (3) the application of any rental costs for durable medical equipment when the department subsequently purchases the same equipment for a recipient; and (4) the selection of a vendor or vendors to be the providers of durable medical equipment, medical surgical supply, oxygen, orthotic and prosthetic devices and hearing aid services pursuant to a competitive bidding process. In no event shall any modifications to the state medical assistance fee schedules, regulations, policies and procedures or purchase of service contracts implemented by the commissioner pursuant to this section be estimated to achieve expenditure reductions in an amount less than adopted in public act 03-1 of the June 30 special session*.

      (June 30 Sp. Sess. P.A. 03-3, S. 53.)

      *Public act 03-1 of the June 30 special session is entitled "An Act Concerning Expenditures and Revenue for the Biennium Ending June 30, 2005". (See Reference Table captioned "Public Acts of June 30, 2003" in Volume 16 which lists the sections amended, created or repealed by the act.)

      History: June 30 Sp. Sess. P.A. 03-3 effective August 20, 2003.

      Sec. 17b-282. (Formerly Sec. 17-134dd). Medical assistance for certain children and elderly and disabled persons. On and after January 1, 1991, the Commissioner of Social Services may provide, in accordance with federal law and regulations and within available appropriations, medical assistance under the Medicaid program to (1) children over five and under nine years of age whose families have an income below one hundred per cent of the federal poverty level and (2) elderly and disabled persons who would be eligible to receive supplemental security income benefits except for income and who have incomes below one hundred per cent of the federal poverty level.

      (P.A. 90-134, S. 3, 28; P.A. 93-262, S. 1, 87; June 18 Sp. Sess. P.A. 97-2, S. 73, 165.)

      History: P.A. 93-262 authorized substitution of commissioner and department of social services for commissioner and department of income maintenance, effective July 1, 1993; Sec. 17-134dd transferred to Sec. 17b-282 in 1995; June 18 Sp. Sess. P.A. 97-2 made technical changes, effective July 1, 1997.

      Cited as "17b-260 et seq. (providing for supplemental medical assistance)". 233 C. 557.

      Sec. 17b-282a. Coverage for in-patient dental services in certain instances involving children and developmentally disabled persons. The Commissioner of Social Services, to the extent permitted by federal law, shall amend the Medicaid state plan to provide coverage for general anesthesia, nursing and related hospital services provided in conjunction with dental services, provided such anesthesia, nursing and related hospital services are provided in conjunction with in-patient dental services if the following conditions are met:

      (1) The anesthesia, nursing and related hospital services are deemed medically necessary by the treating dentist or oral surgeon and the patient's primary care physician in accordance with the department's requirements for prior authorization of services, if required; and

      (2) The patient is either (A) a child under the age of four who is determined by a licensed dentist, in conjunction with a licensed physician who specializes in primary care, to have a dental condition of significant dental complexity that it requires certain dental procedures to be performed in a hospital, or (B) a person who has a developmental disability, as determined by a licensed physician who specializes in primary care, that places the person at serious risk. The expense of such anesthesia, nursing and related hospital services shall be deemed a medical expense under such health insurance policy and shall not be subject to any limits on dental benefits under such policy.

      (P.A. 99-284, S. 42, 60.)

      History: P.A. 99-284 effective January 1, 2000.

      Sec. 17b-282b. Implementation of state-wide dental plan. Waiver. Review of prior authorization requirements. (a) Not later than July 1, 2004, and prior to the implementation of a state-wide dental plan that provides for the administration of the dental services portion of the department's medical assistance, the Commissioner of Social Services shall amend the federal waiver approved pursuant to Section 1915(b) of the Social Security Act. Such waiver amendment shall be submitted to the joint standing committees of the General Assembly having cognizance of matters relating to human services and appropriations and the budgets of state agencies in accordance with the provisions of section 17b-8.

      (b) Prior to the implementation of a state-wide dental plan that provides for the administration of the dental services portion of the department's medical assistance program, the Commissioner of Social Services shall review eliminating prior authorization requirements for basic and routine dental services. In the event the commissioner adopts regulations to eliminate such prior authorization requirements, the commissioner may implement policies and procedures for the purposes of this subsection while in the process of adopting such regulations, provided the commissioner prints notice of intention to adopt the regulations in the Connecticut Law Journal not later than twenty days after implementing the policies and procedures.

      (P.A. 03-155, S. 2; P.A. 04-16, S. 9.)

      History: P.A. 03-155 effective July 1, 2003; P.A. 04-16 made technical changes in Subsec. (b).

      Sec. 17b-283. (Formerly Sec. 17-134ee). Model 2176 Medicaid waiver. The Commissioner of Social Services shall amend the state's model 2176 Medicaid waiver to allow one hundred twenty-five disabled persons to participate under the waiver. The commissioner may, within available appropriations, amend such waiver to increase the number of persons eligible to participate under the waiver to not more than two hundred disabled persons.

      (P.A. 90-134, S. 5, 28; P.A. 93-262, S. 1, 87; June 18 Sp. Sess. P.A. 97-2, S. 74, 165; June Sp. Sess. P.A. 00-2, S. 50, 53.)

      History: P.A. 93-262 authorized substitution of commissioner and department of social services for commissioner and department of income maintenance, effective July 1, 1993; Sec. 17-134ee transferred to Sec. 17b-283 in 1995; June 18 Sp. Sess. P.A. 97-2 made a technical and conforming change in Subsec. (b), effective July 1, 1997; June Sp. Sess. P.A. 00-2 deleted former Subsec. (b) re feasibility study concerning Medicaid coverage for outpatient substance abuse treatment, removed Subsec. (a) designator and added language re amendment of waiver to increase number of eligible persons, effective July 1, 2000.

      Cited as "17b-260 et seq. (providing for supplemental medical assistance)". 233 C. 557.

      Sec. 17b-284. (Formerly Sec. 17-134ff). Medical assistance for certain employed persons. (a) The Commissioner of Social Services may continue, within available appropriations, to provide Medicaid to employed persons who have conditions which prevent them from obtaining health insurance under an employer's group health insurance plan and who would otherwise be eligible for such medical assistance.

      (b) The commissioner may pay under the Medicaid program, within available appropriations, the employee's share of health insurance under an employer's group health insurance plan for employees who would otherwise be eligible for medical assistance.

      (c) The commissioner may pay under the Medicaid program, within available appropriations, the premiums for continued health insurance coverage under an employer's group health insurance plan, pursuant to the federal Consolidated Omnibus Budget Reconciliation Act of 1985, as amended, for chronically ill and disabled persons who are no longer employed and would otherwise be eligible for Medicaid.

      (P.A. 90-134, S. 6, 28; P.A. 93-262, S. 1, 87; June 18 Sp. Sess. P.A. 97-2, S. 75, 165.)

      History: P.A. 93-262 authorized substitution of commissioner and department of social services for commissioner and department of income maintenance, effective July 1, 1993; Sec. 17-134ff transferred to Sec. 17b-284 in 1995; June 18 Sp. Sess. P.A. 97-2 made technical changes, effective July 1, 1997.

      Cited as "17b-260 et seq. (providing for supplemental medical assistance)". 233 C. 557.

      Sec. 17b-285. (Formerly Sec. 17-134gg). Assignment of spousal support of an institutionalized person or person in need of institutional care. An institutionalized person or person in need of institutional care who applies for Medicaid shall assign to the Commissioner of Social Services the right of support derived from the assets of the spouse of such person, provided the spouse of such person is unwilling or unable to provide the information necessary to determine eligibility for Medicaid. If such applicant lacks the ability to execute an assignment due to physical or mental impairment, the commissioner may bring a support proceeding against such applicant's spouse without such assignment.

      (P.A. 91-396; P.A. 93-262, S. 1.)

      History: P.A. 93-262 authorized substitution of commissioner and department of social services for commissioner and department of income maintenance, effective July 1, 1993; Sec. 17-134gg transferred to Sec. 17b-285 in 1995.

      Cited as "17b-260 et seq. (providing for supplemental medical assistance)". 233 C. 557.

      Sec. 17b-286. Medicaid management information system. Reports. Section 17b-286 is repealed, effective October 1, 2003.

      (P.A. 93-262, S. 1, 87; 93-418, S. 35, 41; 93-435, S. 59, 95; P.A. 03-268, S. 13.)

      Sec. 17b-287. (Formerly Sec. 17-292a). Assistance for person who needs hospitalization and is not a resident of any town. Section 17b-287 is repealed, effective March 1, 2004.

      (1959, P.A. 536; P.A. 83-575, S. 7, 10; P.A. 86-415, S. 8; May Sp. Sess. P.A. 92-16, S. 15, 89; P.A. 93-262, S. 1, 87; June 30 Sp. Sess. P.A. 03-3, S. 97.)

      Sec. 17b-288. Organ transplant account. Regulations. (a) There is established an organ transplant account which shall be a separate, nonlapsing account within the General Fund. Any moneys collected under the contribution system established under section 12-743 shall be deposited by the Commissioner of Revenue Services into the account. This account may also receive moneys from public and private sources or from the federal government. All moneys deposited in the account shall be used by the Department of Social Services or persons acting under a contract with the department, (1) to assist residents of the state in paying all or part of any costs associated with a medically required organ transplant or (2) the promotion of the income tax contribution system and the organ transplant account. Expenditures from the account in any fiscal year for the promotion of the contribution system or the account shall not exceed ten per cent of the amount of moneys raised during the previous fiscal year provided such limitation shall not apply to an expenditure of not more than fifteen thousand dollars from the account on or before July 1, 1994, to reimburse expenditures made on or before said date, with prior written authorization of the Commissioner of Public Health, by private organizations to promote the contribution system and the organ transplant account.

      (b) The Commissioner of Social Services shall adopt regulations, in accordance with the provisions of chapter 54, to provide for the distribution of funds available pursuant to this section and section 12-743.

      (P.A. 93-233, S. 2; 93-381, S. 9, 39; 93-435, S. 59, 95; P.A. 94-175, S. 15, 32; 94-210, S. 25, 30; May Sp. Sess. P.A. 94-4, S. 80, 85; P.A. 95-160, S. 64, 69; 95-257, S. 12, 21, 58.)

      History: P.A. 93-381 and P.A. 93-435 authorized substitution of commissioner and department of public health and addiction services for commissioner and department of health services, effective July 1, 1993; P.A. 94-175 in Subsec. (a) changed account name from "organ transplant fund account" to "organ transplant account", effective June 2, 1994; P.A. 94-210 transferred responsibility for the program from the department of public health and addiction services to the department of social services, effective July 1, 1994; May Sp. Sess. P.A. 94-4 and P.A. 95-160 revised effective date of P.A. 94-175 but without affecting this section; P.A. 95-257 replaced Commissioner and Department of Public Health and Addiction Services with Commissioner and Department of Public Health, effective July 1, 1995.

      Sec. 17b-289. Short title: HUSKY and HUSKY Plus Act. HUSKY Plan, Part A and HUSKY Plan, Part B participants. (a) Sections 17b-289 to 17b-303, inclusive, and section 16 of public act 97-1 of the October 29 special session* shall be known as the "HUSKY and HUSKY Plus Act".

      (b) Children, caretaker relatives and pregnant women receiving assistance under section 17b-261 or 17b-277 shall be participants in the HUSKY Plan, Part A and children receiving assistance under sections 17b-289 to 17b-303, inclusive, and section 16 of public act 97-1 of the October 29 special session* shall be participants in the HUSKY Plan, Part B. For purposes of marketing and outreach, both parts shall be known as the HUSKY Plan.

      (October 29 Sp. Sess. P.A. 97-1, S. 1, 23; P.A. 05-44, S. 1.)

      *Note: Section 16 of public act 97-1 of the October 29 special session is special in nature and therefore has not been codified but remains in full force and effect according to its terms.

      History: Oct. 29 Sp. Sess. P.A. 97-1 effective October 30, 1997; P.A. 05-44 amended Subsec. (b) to include caretaker relatives and pregnant women receiving assistance under Sec. 17b-261 or Sec. 17b-277 as participants in HUSKY Plan, Part A, effective July 1, 2005.

      Sec. 17b-290. Definitions. As used in sections 17b-289 to 17b-303, inclusive, and section 16 of public act 97-1 of the October 29 special session*:

      (1) "Applicant" means an individual over the age of eighteen years who is a natural or adoptive parent or a legal guardian; a caretaker relative, foster parent or stepparent with whom the child resides; or a noncustodial parent under order of a court or family support magistrate to provide health insurance, who applies for coverage under the HUSKY Plan, Part B on behalf of a child and shall include a child who is eighteen years of age or emancipated in accordance with the provisions of sections 46b-150 to 46b-150e, inclusive, and who is applying on his own behalf or on behalf of a minor dependent for coverage under such plan;

      (2) "Child" means an individual under nineteen years of age;

      (3) "Coinsurance" means the sharing of health care expenses by the insured and an insurer in a specified ratio;

      (4) "Commissioner" means the Commissioner of Social Services;

      (5) "Copayment" means a payment made on behalf of an enrollee for a specified service under the HUSKY Plan, Part B;

      (6) "Cost sharing" means arrangements made on behalf of an enrollee whereby an applicant pays a portion of the cost of health services, sharing costs with the state and includes copayments, premiums, deductibles and coinsurance;

      (7) "Deductible" means the amount of out-of-pocket expenses that would be paid for health services on behalf of an enrollee before becoming payable by the insurer;

      (8) "Department" means the Department of Social Services;

      (9) "Durable medical equipment" means durable medical equipment, as defined in Section 1395x(n) of the Social Security Act;

      (10) "Eligible beneficiary" means a child who meets the requirements specified in section 17b-292, except a child excluded under the provisions of Subtitle J of Public Law 105-33 or a child of any municipal employee eligible for employer-sponsored insurance on or after October 30, 1997, provided a child of such a municipal employee may be eligible for coverage under the HUSKY Plan, Part B if dependent coverage was terminated due to an extreme economic hardship on the part of the employee, as determined by the commissioner;

      (11) "Enrollee" means an eligible beneficiary who receives services from a managed care plan under the HUSKY Plan, Part B;

      (12) "Family" means any combination of the following: (A) An individual; (B) the individual's spouse; (C) any child of the individual or such spouse; or (D) the legal guardian of any such child if the guardian resides with the child;

      (13) "HUSKY Plan, Part A" means assistance provided to children, caretaker relatives and pregnant women pursuant to section 17b-261 or 17b-277;

      (14) "HUSKY Plan, Part B" means the health insurance plan for children established pursuant to the provisions of sections 17b-289 to 17b-303, inclusive, and section 16 of public act 97-1 of the October 29 special session*;

      (15) "HUSKY Plus programs" means two supplemental health insurance programs established pursuant to section 17b-294 for medically eligible enrollees of the HUSKY Plan, Part B whose medical needs cannot be accommodated within the basic benefit package offered to enrollees. One program shall supplement coverage for those medically eligible enrollees with intensive physical health needs and the other program shall supplement coverage for those medically eligible enrollees with intensive behavioral health needs;

      (16) "Income" means income as calculated in the same manner as under the Medicaid program pursuant to section 17b-261;

      (17) "Managed care plan" means a plan offered by an entity that contracts with the department to provide benefits to enrollees on a prepaid basis;

      (18) "Parent" means a natural parent, stepparent, adoptive parent, guardian or custodian of a child;

      (19) "Premium" means any required payment made by an individual to offset or pay in full the capitation rate under the HUSKY Plan, Part B;

      (20) "Preventive care and services" means: (A) Child preventive care, including periodic and interperiodic well-child visits, routine immunizations, health screenings and routine laboratory tests; (B) prenatal care, including care of all complications of pregnancy; (C) care of newborn infants, including attendance at high-risk deliveries and normal newborn care; (D) WIC evaluations; (E) child abuse assessment required under sections 17a-106a and 46b-129a; (F) preventive dental care for children; and (G) periodicity schedules and reporting based on the standards specified by the American Academy of Pediatrics;

      (21) "Primary and preventive health care services" means the services of licensed physicians, optometrists, nurses, nurse practitioners, midwives and other related health care professionals which are provided on an outpatient basis, including routine well-child visits, diagnosis and treatment of illness and injury, laboratory tests, diagnostic x-rays, prescription drugs, radiation therapy, chemotherapy, hemodialysis, emergency room services, and outpatient alcohol and substance abuse services, as defined by the commissioner;

      (22) "Qualified entity" means any entity: (A) Eligible for payments under a state plan approved under Medicaid and which provides medical services under the HUSKY Plan, Part A, or (B) that is a qualified entity, as defined in 42 USC 1396r-1a, as amended by Section 708 of Public Law 106-554 and that is determined by the commissioner to be capable of making the determination of eligibility. The commissioner shall provide qualified entities with such forms as are necessary for an application to be made on behalf of a child under the HUSKY Plan, Part A and information on how to assist parents, guardians and other persons in completing and filing such forms;

      (23) "WIC" means the federal Special Supplemental Food Program for Women, Infants and Children administered by the Department of Public Health pursuant to section 19a-59c.

      (October 29 Sp. Sess. P.A. 97-1, S. 2, 23; P.A. 99-279, S. 18, 45; P.A. 00-196, S. 53; P.A. 01-137, S. 2, 9; June 30 Sp. Sess. P.A. 03-3, S. 73; P.A. 05-44, S. 2.)

      *Note: Section 16 of public act 97-1 of the October 29 special session is special in nature and therefore has not been codified but remains in full force and effect according to its terms.

      History: Oct. 29 Sp. Sess. P.A. 97-1 effective October 30, 1997; P.A. 99-279 amended Subdiv. (10) to provide that a child of a municipal employee may be eligible for coverage under the HUSKY Plan, Part B if dependent coverage was terminated due to an extreme economic hardship on the part of the employee, as determined by the commissioner, effective July 1, 1999; P.A. 00-196 made technical changes in Subdivs. (21) and (22); P.A. 01-137 amended Subdiv. (22) to redefine "qualified entity" by deleting language contained in the federal definition of term and adding reference to such federal definition, effective July 1, 2001 (Revisor's note: In Subdiv. (22), the word "that" was inserted editorially by the Revisors after "(B)" for proper form); June 30 Sp. Sess. P.A. 03-3 amended introductory language to add reference to Sec. 17b-261f, effective August 20, 2003; P.A. 05-44 amended Subdiv. (13) to redefine "HUSKY Plan, Part A" to include assistance provided to caretaker relatives and pregnant women pursuant to Sec. 17b-261 or 17b-277, effective July 1, 2005 (Revisor's note: An erroneous reference to Sec. 17b-261f was deleted editorially by the Revisors to correct a codification error).

      See Sec. 17b-261e re HUSKY and Medicaid coverage for isolation care and emergency services provided by the state's critical access hospital.

      Sec. 17b-291. Children's health insurance plan. The commissioner shall submit a state children's health insurance plan to implement the provisions of sections 17b-289 to 17b-303, inclusive, and section 16 of public act 97-1 of the October 29 special session* to the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services in accordance with the provisions of Subtitle J of Public Law 105-33. Such plan and any revisions thereto shall be submitted to the joint standing committees of the General Assembly having cognizance of matters relating to human services, public health, insurance and appropriations and the budgets of state agencies. Within thirty days of receipt of such plan or revisions thereto, said joint standing committees of the General Assembly may advise the commissioner of their approval, denial or modifications, if any, of the plan or any revisions thereto. If the joint standing committees do not concur, the committee chairmen shall appoint a committee on conference which shall be comprised of three members from each joint standing committee. At least one member appointed from each committee shall be a member of the minority party. The report of the committee on conference shall be made to each committee, which shall vote to accept or reject the report. The report of the committee on conference may not be amended. If a joint standing committee rejects the report of the committee on conference, the plan or revisions thereto shall be deemed approved. If the joint standing committees accept the report, the committee having cognizance of matters relating to appropriations and the budgets of state agencies shall advise the commissioner of their approval or modifications, if any, of the plan or revisions thereto, provided if the committees do not act within thirty days, the plan or revisions thereto shall be deemed approved.

      (October 29 Sp. Sess. P.A. 97-1, S. 3, 23; June Sp. Sess. P.A. 00-2, S. 20, 53; P.A. 03-19, S. 42.)

      *Note: Section 16 of public act 97-1 of the October 29 special session is special in nature and therefore has not been codified but remains in full force and effect according to its terms.

      History: Oct. 29 Sp. Sess. P.A. 97-1 effective October 30, 1997; June Sp. Sess. P.A. 00-2 increased the time period for action by the joint standing legislative committees from fifteen to thirty days, effective July 1, 2000; P.A. 03-19 replaced "Health Care Financing Administration" with "Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services", effective May 12, 2003.

      Sec. 17b-292. HUSKY Plan Part A and Part B. Eligibility. Presumptive eligibility. Single point of entry services. Managed care enrollment brokerage services. Regulations. (a) A child who resides in a household with a family income which exceeds one hundred eighty-five per cent of the federal poverty level and does not exceed three hundred per cent of the federal poverty level may be eligible for subsidized benefits under the HUSKY Plan, Part B.

      (b) A child who resides in a household with a family income over three hundred per cent of the federal poverty level may be eligible for unsubsidized benefits under the HUSKY Plan, Part B.

      (c) Whenever a court or family support magistrate orders a noncustodial parent to provide health insurance for a child, such parent may provide for coverage under the HUSKY Plan, Part B.

      (d) To the extent allowed under federal law, the commissioner shall not pay for services or durable medical equipment under the HUSKY Plan, Part B if the enrollee has other insurance coverage for the services or such equipment.

      (e) A newborn child who otherwise meets the eligibility criteria for the HUSKY Plan, Part B shall be eligible for benefits retroactive to his date of birth, provided an application is filed on behalf of the child within thirty days of such date.

      (f) The commissioner shall implement presumptive eligibility for children applying for Medicaid. Such presumptive eligibility determinations shall be in accordance with applicable federal law and regulations. The commissioner shall adopt regulations, in accordance with chapter 54, to establish standards and procedures for the designation of organizations as qualified entities to grant presumptive eligibility. Qualified entities shall ensure that, at the time a presumptive eligibility determination is made, a completed application for Medicaid is submitted to the department for a full eligibility determination. In establishing such standards and procedures, the commissioner shall ensure the representation of state-wide and local organizations that provide services to children of all ages in each region of the state.

      (g) The commissioner shall enter into a contract with an entity to be a single point of entry servicer for applicants and enrollees under the HUSKY Plan, Part A and Part B. The servicer shall jointly market both Part A and Part B together as the HUSKY Plan. Such servicer shall develop and implement public information and outreach activities with community programs. Such servicer shall electronically transmit data with respect to enrollment and disenrollment in the HUSKY Plan, Part B to the commissioner.

      (h) Upon the expiration of any contractual provisions entered into pursuant to subsection (g) of this section, the commissioner shall develop a new contract for single point of entry services and managed care enrollment brokerage services. The commissioner may enter into one or more contractual arrangements for such services for a contract period not to exceed seven years. Such contracts shall include performance measures, including, but not limited to, specified time limits for the processing of applications, parameters setting forth the requirements for a completed and reviewable application and the percentage of applications forwarded to the department in a complete and timely fashion. Such contracts shall also include a process for identifying and correcting noncompliance with established performance measures, including sanctions applicable for instances of continued noncompliance with performance measures.

      (i) The single point of entry servicer shall send an application and supporting documents to the commissioner for determination of eligibility of a child who resides in a household with a family income of one hundred eighty-five per cent or less of the federal poverty level. The servicer shall enroll eligible beneficiaries in the applicant's choice of managed care plan. Upon enrollment in a managed care plan, an eligible HUSKY Plan Part A or Part B beneficiary shall remain enrolled in such managed care plan for twelve months from the date of such enrollment unless (1) an eligible beneficiary demonstrates good cause to the satisfaction of the commissioner of the need to enroll in a different managed care plan, or (2) the beneficiary no longer meets program eligibility requirements.

      (j) Not more than twelve months after the determination of eligibility for benefits under the HUSKY Plan, Part A and Part B and annually thereafter, the commissioner or the servicer, as the case may be, shall determine if the child continues to be eligible for the plan. The commissioner or the servicer shall mail an application form to each participant in the plan for the purposes of obtaining information to make a determination on eligibility. To the extent permitted by federal law, in determining eligibility for benefits under the HUSKY Plan, Part A or Part B with respect to family income, the commissioner or the servicer shall rely upon information provided in such form by the participant unless the commissioner or the servicer has reason to believe that such information is inaccurate or incomplete. The Department of Social Services shall annually review a random sample of cases to confirm that, based on the statistical sample, relying on such information is not resulting in ineligible clients receiving benefits under HUSKY Plan Part A or Part B. The determination of eligibility shall be coordinated with health plan open enrollment periods.

      (k) The commissioner shall implement the HUSKY Plan, Part B while in the process of adopting necessary policies and procedures in regulation form in accordance with the provisions of section 17b-10.

      (l) The commissioner shall adopt regulations, in accordance with chapter 54, to establish residency requirements and income eligibility for participation in the HUSKY Plan, Part B and procedures for a simplified mail-in application process. Notwithstanding the provisions of section 17b-257b, such regulations shall provide that any child adopted from another country by an individual who is a citizen of the United States and a resident of this state shall be eligible for benefits under the HUSKY Plan, Part B upon arrival in this state.

      (October 29 Sp. Sess. P.A. 97-1, S. 4, 23; P.A. 01-137, S. 1, 3, 4, 9; P.A. 03-2, S. 7; June 30 Sp. Sess. P.A. 03-3, S. 56; P.A. 04-16, S. 10; P.A. 05-280, S. 5, 9; P.A. 06-188, S. 16.)

      History: Oct. 29 Sp. Sess. P.A. 97-1 effective October 30, 1997; P.A. 01-137 amended Subsec. (h) to require servicer to electronically transmit enrollment and disenrollment data re HUSKY Plan, Part B to commissioner who may transmit such data to Children's Health Council and amended Subsec. (k) to require the commissioner or servicer, as the case may be, to determine if a child continues to be eligible for benefits under the HUSKY Plan, Part A or Part B, to mail an application form to each participant in the plan and to rely upon information provided in the application form by the participant in determining eligibility for benefits under the plan with respect to family income unless the commissioner or servicer has reason to believe that such information is inaccurate or incomplete, effective July 1, 2001, and amended Subsec. (m) to require regulations providing that any child adopted from another country by a U.S. citizen and state resident shall be eligible for benefits under the HUSKY Plan, Part B upon arrival in this state, effective June 28, 2001; P.A. 03-2 deleted former Subsec. (d) which provided for twelve months of continuous eligibility under the HUSKY Plan, Part A or Part B, from the date that a child was determined eligible for the program and redesignated existing Subsecs. (e) to (m), inclusive, as Subsecs. (d) to (l), inclusive, effective February 28, 2003; June 30 Sp. Sess. P.A. 03-3 amended Subsec. (a) to provide that the services and cost-sharing requirements under HUSKY Plan, Part B shall be substantially similar to those afforded to state residents by the largest commercially available health plan offered by a managed care organization, deleted former Subsecs. (f) and (h) re granting of presumptive eligibility under HUSKY Plan, Part A, redesignated existing Subsec. (g) as Subsec. (f) and deleted reference therein re transmittal of data to Children's Health Council, and redesignated existing Subsecs. (i) to (l) as Subsecs. (g) to (j), effective August 20, 2003; P.A. 04-16 made a technical change in Subsec. (a); P.A. 05-280 amended Subsec. (a) to delete provision that required HUSKY Plan, Part B services and cost-sharing requirements to be substantially similar to those of the largest commercially available health plan offered by a managed care organization, added new Subsec. (f) re implementation of presumptive eligibility for children applying for Medicaid and requiring commissioner to adopt regulations re standards and procedures for the designation of organizations that shall act as qualified entities to grant presumptive eligibility, redesignated existing Subsec. (f) as new Subsec. (g), added new Subsec. (h) re development of new contract for single point of entry services and managed care enrollment brokerage services, redesignated existing Subsecs. (g) to (j), inclusive, as new Subsecs. (i) to (l), inclusive, amended redesignated Subsec. (i) to require HUSKY Plan, Part A or Part B beneficiaries, enrolled in managed care plan, to remain enrolled in such plan for twelve months unless beneficiary demonstrates good cause to enroll in a different plan or no longer meets program eligibility requirements and amended redesignated Subsec. (j) to eliminate mandate that commissioner rely on family income information provided by participant in determining eligibility for benefits under the HUSKY Plan, Part A and Part B, effective July 1, 2005; P.A. 06-188 amended Subsec. (j) to permit commissioner, to the extent permitted by federal law, to rely on self-declared family income when making program eligibility determinations and to require department to review a random sample of cases to confirm that ineligible clients are not receiving program benefits, effective July 1, 2006.

      See Sec. 17b-261f re assessment of copayments and cost-sharing requirements for certain individuals participating in HUSKY Plan, Part A.

      Sec. 17b-292a. Redetermination of eligibility under HUSKY Plan, information necessary for. The Commissioner of Social Services, in determining if an individual continues to be eligible for the HUSKY Plan, Part A or Part B, shall determine whether such individual is a recipient of a child care subsidy under section 17b-749, food stamps under the food stamp program pursuant to the Food Stamp Act of 1977 or benefits under any other program administered by the Department of Social Services for the purpose of ascertaining whether the department has information necessary for the redetermination of eligibility under the HUSKY Plan. In the event such information is available, the commissioner shall use such information in such redetermination.

      (P.A. 01-137, S. 8, 9.)

      History: P.A. 01-137 effective July 1, 2001.

      Sec. 17b-293. Minimum benefit coverage under HUSKY Plan, Part B. Section 17b-293 is repealed, effective August 20, 2003.

      (October 29 Sp. Sess. P.A. 97-1, S. 5, 23; P.A. 99-284, S. 50, 60; June 30 Sp. Sess. P.A. 03-3, S. 96.)

      Sec. 17b-294. HUSKY Plus programs. (a) The commissioner shall, within available appropriations, establish two supplemental health insurance programs, to be known as HUSKY Plus programs, for enrollees of the subsidized portion of the HUSKY Plan, Part B with family incomes which do not exceed three hundred per cent of the federal poverty level, whose medical needs cannot be accommodated within the basic benefit package offered enrollees. One program shall supplement coverage for those medically eligible enrollees with intensive physical health needs and one shall supplement coverage for those medically eligible enrollees with intensive behavioral health needs.

      (b) Within available appropriations, the commissioner shall contract with entities to administer and operate the HUSKY Plus program for medically eligible enrollees with intensive physical health needs. Such entities shall be the same entities that the Department of Public Health contracts with to administer and operate the program under Title V of the Social Security Act. The advisory committee established by the Department of Public Health for Title V of the Social Security Act shall be the steering committee for such program, except that such committee shall include representatives of the Departments of Social Services and Children and Families.

      (c) Within available appropriations, the commissioner shall contract with one or more entities to operate the HUSKY Plus program for medically eligible enrollees with intensive behavioral health needs. The steering committee for such program shall be established by the commissioner, in consultation with the Commissioner of Children and Families. The steering committee shall include representatives of the Departments of Social Services and Children and Families.

      (d) The acuity standards or diagnostic eligibility criteria, or both, the service benefits package and the provider network for the HUSKY Plus program for intensive physical health needs shall be consistent with that of Title V of the Social Security Act. Such service benefit package shall include powered wheelchairs.

      (e) The steering committee for intensive behavioral health needs shall submit recommendations to the commissioner for acuity standards or diagnostic eligibility criteria, or both, for admission to the program for intensive behavioral health needs as well as a service benefits package. The criteria shall reflect the severity of psychiatric or substance abuse symptoms, the level of functional impairment secondary to symptoms and the intensity of service needs. The network of community-based providers in the program shall include the services generally provided by child guidance clinics, family service agencies, youth service bureaus and other community-based organizations.

      (f) The commissioner shall adopt regulations, in accordance with chapter 54, to establish a procedure for the appeal of a denial of coverage under any of the HUSKY Plus programs. Such regulations shall provide that (1) an appeal of a denial of coverage for a medically eligible enrollee with intensive physical health needs shall be taken to the steering committee for intensive physical health needs, (2) an appeal of a denial of coverage for a medically eligible enrollee with intensive behavioral health needs shall be taken to the steering committee for intensive behavioral health needs, and (3) a medically eligible enrollee with intensive physical or behavioral health needs may appeal the decision of any such steering committee to the commissioner.

      (g) The commissioner shall contract for an external quality review of the HUSKY Plus programs. Not later than January 1, 1999, and annually thereafter, the commissioner shall submit a report to the Governor and the General Assembly on the HUSKY Plus programs which shall include an evaluation of the health outcomes and access to care for medically eligible enrollees in the HUSKY Plus programs.

      (h) On and after the date on which any medically eligible enrollee begins receiving benefits under the HUSKY Plus programs, such enrollee shall not be eligible for services under Title V of the Social Security Act.

      (i) Not later than December 1, 1997, or not less than fifteen days before submission of the state children's health insurance plan to the joint standing committees of the General Assembly having cognizance of matters relating to human services, public health, insurance and appropriations and the budgets of state agencies, whichever is sooner, the commissioner shall submit to said joint standing committees of the General Assembly any part of the state children's health insurance plan that refers to the HUSKY Plus programs. Such submission shall address acuity standards and diagnostic eligibility criteria, the service benefit package and coordination between the HUSKY Plan, Part B and the HUSKY Plus programs and coordination with other state agencies. Within fifteen days of receipt of such submission, said joint standing committees of the General Assembly may advise the commissioner of their approval, denial or modifications, if any, of the submission. If the joint standing committees do not concur, the committee chairmen shall appoint a committee on conference which shall be comprised of three members from each joint standing committee. At least one member appointed from each committee shall be a member of the minority party. The report of the committee on conference shall be made to each committee, which shall vote to accept or reject the report. The report of the committee on conference may not be amended. If a joint standing committee rejects the report of the committee on conference, the submission shall be deemed approved. If the joint standing committees accept the report, the committee having cognizance of matters relating to appropriations and the budgets of state agencies shall advise the commissioner of their approval or modifications, if any, of the submission, provided if the committees do not act within fifteen days, the submission shall be deemed approved.

      (j) The commissioner shall adopt regulations, in accordance with the provisions of chapter 54, to establish criteria and specify services for the HUSKY Plus programs. Such regulations shall state that the HUSKY Plus programs shall give priority in such programs to enrollees with family incomes at or below two hundred thirty-five per cent of the federal poverty level.

      (k) As used in this section, "medically eligible enrollee" means any enrollee with special needs related to either physical or behavioral health who meets the acuity standards or diagnostic eligibility criteria adopted by the commissioner regarding the acuity, diagnosis, functional impairment and intensive service needs of the enrollee.

      (October 29 Sp. Sess. P.A. 97-1, S. 6, 23; P.A. 98-8, S. 1, 5.)

      History: Oct. 29 Sp. Sess. P.A. 97-1 effective October 30, 1997; P.A. 98-8 amended Subsec. (a) to limit benefits under the HUSKY Plus portion of the HUSKY Plan, Part B to children in families with incomes at or below three hundred per cent of the federal poverty level, effective April 7, 1998.

      Sec. 17b-295. Cost-sharing requirements under HUSKY Plan, Part B. (a) The commissioner shall impose cost-sharing requirements, including the payment of a premium or copayment, in connection with services provided under the HUSKY Plan, Part B, to the extent permitted by federal law, and in accordance with the following limitations:

      (1) On and after July 1, 2005, the commissioner may increase the maximum annual aggregate cost-sharing requirements, provided such cost-sharing requirements shall not exceed five per cent of the family's gross annual income. The commissioner may impose a premium requirement on families whose income exceeds two hundred thirty-five per cent of the federal poverty level as a component of the family's cost-sharing responsibility, provided: (A) The family's annual combined premiums and copayments do not exceed the maximum annual aggregate cost-sharing requirement, and (B) premium requirements shall not exceed the sum of thirty dollars per month per child, with a maximum premium of fifty dollars per month per family. The commissioner shall not impose a premium requirement on families whose income exceeds one hundred eighty-five per cent of the federal poverty level but does not exceed two hundred thirty-five per cent of the federal poverty level; and

      (2) The commissioner shall require each managed care plan to monitor copayments and premiums under the provisions of subdivision (1) of this subsection.

      (b) (1) Except as provided in subdivision (2) of this subsection, the commissioner may impose limitations on the amount, duration and scope of benefits under the HUSKY Plan, Part B.

      (2) The limitations adopted by the commissioner pursuant to subdivision (1) of this subsection shall not preclude coverage of any item of durable medical equipment or service that is medically necessary.

      (October 29 Sp. Sess. P.A. 97-1, S. 7, 23; P.A. 98-8, S. 2, 5; June 30 Sp. Sess. P.A. 03-3, S. 55; P.A. 05-280, S. 7; Nov. 2 Sp. Sess. P.A. 05-1, S. 1; P.A. 06-196, S. 135.)

      History: Oct. 29 Sp. Sess. P.A. 97-1 effective October 30, 1997; P.A. 98-8 amended Subdiv. (3) of Subsec. (a) to require each managed care plan, rather than its health care providers, to monitor copayments and premiums, effective April 7, 1998; June 30 Sp. Sess. P.A. 03-3 amended Subsec. (a) to require commissioner to impose cost-sharing requirements in connection with services provided under the HUSKY Plan, Part B to the extent permitted by federal law, to delete "may require" re payment of premiums and copayments, to delete former Subdivs. (1) and (2) re maximum annual cost-sharing for families and add new Subdiv. (1) providing that on and after October 1, 2003, commissioner may increase maximum annual cost-sharing for families in an amount not to exceed five per cent of the family's gross annual income, and authorizing commissioner to impose a premium on families with income exceeding one hundred eighty-five per cent of the federal poverty level as a component of the family's cost-sharing responsibility provided family's combined premiums and copayments do not exceed the maximum annual cost-sharing requirement, and to redesignate former Subdiv. (3) redesignated as Subdiv. (2); P.A. 05-280 amended Subsec. (a)(1) by substituting July 1, 2005, for October 1, 2003, and changing "may" to "shall" re commissioner increasing maximum annual cost-sharing requirements, by requiring the commissioner to impose a premium requirement that does not exceed the maximum annual aggregate cost-sharing requirement on families whose income exceeds one hundred eighty-five per cent of the federal poverty level but does not exceed two hundred thirty-five per cent of the federal poverty level and by increasing the premium requirement on families whose income exceeds two hundred thirty-five per cent of the federal poverty level but does not exceed three hundred per cent of the federal poverty level, effective July 1, 2005; Nov. 2 Sp. Sess. P.A. 05-1 amended Subsec. (a)(1) by changing "shall" to "may" re commissioner's authority to increase maximum annual cost-sharing requirements, by providing that commissioner shall not impose premium requirements on families whose income exceeds one hundred eighty-five per cent but does not exceed two hundred thirty-five per cent of federal poverty level, by removing provision that required commissioner to increase premium requirements on families whose income exceeds two hundred thirty-five per cent but does not exceed three hundred per cent of federal poverty level, and by providing that commissioner may impose premium requirements on families whose income exceeds two hundred thirty-five per cent of federal poverty level, not exceeding thirty dollars per month per child, with a maximum of fifty dollars per month per family, effective November 3, 2005; P.A. 06-196 made technical changes in Subsec. (a), effective June 7, 2006.

      Sec. 17b-296. Provision for clinicians in managed care plans. Provision by managed care organizations of services under HUSKY Plan. (a) Each managed care plan shall include sufficient numbers of appropriately trained and certified clinicians of pediatric care, including primary, medical subspecialty and surgical specialty physicians, as well as providers of necessary related services such as dental services, mental health services, social work services, developmental evaluation services, occupational therapy services, physical therapy services, speech therapy and language services, school-linked clinic services and other public health services to assure enrollees the option of obtaining benefits through such providers.

      (b) Each managed care organization that on or after October 1, 2001, enters into a contract with the department to provide comprehensive services under the HUSKY Plan, Part A or the HUSKY Plan, Part B, or both, shall have primary responsibility for ensuring that its behavioral health and dental subcontractors adhere to the contract between the department and the managed care organization, including the provision of timely payments to providers and interest payments in accordance with subdivision (15) of section 38a-816. The managed care organization shall submit to the department a claims aging inventory report including all data on all services paid by subcontractors in accordance with the terms of the contract with the department.

      (c) Upon the initial contract or the renewal of a contract between a managed care organization and a behavioral health or dental subcontractor, the department shall require that the managed care organizations impose a performance bond, letter of credit, statement of financial reserves or payment withhold for behavioral health and dental subcontractors that provide services under the HUSKY Plan, Part A or the HUSKY Plan, Part B, or both. Any such performance bond, letter of credit, statement of financial reserves or payment withhold that may be required by the department pursuant to a contract with a managed care organization shall be in an amount sufficient to assure the settlement of provider claims in the event that the contract between the managed care organization and the behavioral health or dental subcontractor is terminated. Upon the initial contract or the renewal of a contract between a managed care organization and a behavioral health or dental subcontractor, the managed care organization shall negotiate and enter into a contract termination agreement with its behavioral health and dental subcontractors that shall include, but not be limited to, provisions concerning financial responsibility for the final settlement of provider claims and data reporting to the department. The managed care organization shall submit reports to the department, at such times as the department shall determine, concerning any payments made from such performance bond or any payment withholds, the timeliness of claim payments to providers and the payment of any interest to providers.

      (d) Prior to the approval by the department of a contract between a managed care organization and a behavioral health and dental subcontractor for services provided under the HUSKY Plan, Part A or the HUSKY Plan, Part B, or both, the managed care organization shall submit a plan to the department for the resolution of any outstanding claims submitted by providers to a previous behavioral health or dental subcontractor of the managed care organization for services provided to members enrolled in the HUSKY Plan, Part A or the HUSKY Plan, Part B, or both. Such plan for the resolution of outstanding claims shall include a claims aging inventory report and shall comply with the terms of the contract between the department and the managed care organization.

      (October 29 Sp. Sess. P.A. 97-1, S. 8, 23; June Sp. Sess. P.A. 01-2, S. 23; June Sp. Sess. P.A. 01-9, S. 129, 131.)

      History: Oct. 29 Sp. Sess. P.A. 97-1 effective October 30, 1997; June Sp. Sess. P.A. 01-2 designated existing provisions as Subsec. (a) and added Subsecs. (b) to (d) re subcontractor services under the HUSKY Plan; June Sp. Sess. P.A. 01-9 revised effective date of June Sp. Sess. P.A. 01-2 but without affecting this section.

      Sec. 17b-297. Outreach program for HUSKY Plan, Part A and Part B. (a) The commissioner, in consultation with the Children's Health Council, the Medicaid Managed Care Council and Infoline of Connecticut, shall develop mechanisms for outreach for the HUSKY Plan, Part A and Part B, including, but not limited to, development of mail-in applications and appropriate outreach materials through the Department of Revenue Services, the Labor Department, the Department of Social Services, the Department of Public Health, the Department of Children and Families and the Office of Protection and Advocacy for Persons with Disabilities.

      (b) The commissioner shall include in such outreach efforts information on the Medicaid program for the purpose of maximizing enrollment of eligible children and the use of federal funds.

      (c) The commissioner shall, within available appropriations, contract with severe need schools and community-based organizations for purposes of public education, outreach and recruitment of eligible children, including the distribution of applications and information regarding enrollment in the HUSKY Plan, Part A and Part B. In awarding such contracts, the commissioner shall consider the marketing, outreach and recruitment efforts of organizations. For the purposes of this subsection, (1) "community-based organizations" shall include, but not be limited to, day care centers, schools, school-based health clinics, community-based diagnostic and treatment centers and hospitals, and (2) "severe need school" means a school in which forty per cent or more of the lunches served are served to students who are eligible for free or reduced price lunches.

      (d) All outreach materials shall be approved by the commissioner pursuant to Subtitle J of Public Law 105-33.

      (e) Not later than January 1, 1999, and annually thereafter, the commissioner shall submit a report to the Governor and the General Assembly on the implementation of and the results of the community-based outreach program specified in subsections (a) to (c), inclusive, of this section.

      (October 29 Sp. Sess. P.A. 97-1, S. 9, 23; June 30 Sp. Sess. P.A. 03-3, S. 57.)

      History: Oct. 29 Sp. Sess. P.A. 97-1 effective October 30, 1997; June 30 Sp. Sess. P.A. 03-3 amended Subsec. (c) to delete provision that permitted commissioner to contract with "qualified entities authorized to grant presumptive eligibility", effective August 20, 2003.

      Sec. 17b-297a. Funds to promote enrollment of children eligible for other income-based assistance programs in HUSKY Plan. The Commissioner of Social Services may seek a waiver, if required, under Title XXI of the Social Security Act to authorize the use of funds received under said title to promote the enrollment of children in the HUSKY Plan who are eligible for benefits under other income-based assistance programs including, but not limited to, free or reduced school lunch programs.

      (P.A. 01-137, S. 6, 9.)

      History: P.A. 01-137 effective July 1, 2001.

      Sec. 17b-297b. Procedures for sharing information in applications for school lunch program for purpose of determining eligibility under HUSKY Plan. Procedure for application for HUSKY Plan. (a) To the extent permitted by federal law, the Commissioners of Social Services and Education shall jointly establish procedures for the sharing of information contained in applications for free and reduced price meals under the National School Lunch Program for the purpose of determining whether children participating in said program are eligible for coverage under the HUSKY Plan, Part A and Part B. The Commissioner of Social Services shall take all actions necessary to ensure that children identified as eligible for the HUSKY Plan are able to enroll in said plan.

      (b) The Commissioner of Education shall establish procedures whereby an individual may apply for the HUSKY Plan, Part A or Part B, at the same time such individual applies for the National School Lunch Program.

      (P.A. 01-137, S. 7, 9; P.A. 03-19, S. 43.)

      History: P.A. 01-137 effective July 1, 2001; P.A. 03-19 made technical changes in Subsec. (a), effective May 12, 2003.

      Sec. 17b-298. Regulations re quality of care under HUSKY Plan. Outcome criteria. Sanctions. Reports re HUSKY Plans to General Assembly. (a) The commissioner shall adopt regulations, in accordance with chapter 54, to establish appropriate contract standards to oversee and ensure the quality of care provided under the HUSKY Plan, Part B. Such regulations shall require the establishment of an internal quality assurance plan by each managed care plan which shall be in writing and available to the public.

      (b) The commissioner shall develop criteria for assessing the outcomes of health care provided to children under the HUSKY Plan, Part B.

      (c) The commissioner shall contract for the external quality review of the HUSKY Plan, Part B. Such review shall include, but not be limited to, an evaluation of access to care, medical record standards, provider credentialing and individual case review.

      (d) The commissioner may impose the following sanctions on any managed care plan which does not meet the quality of care required by standards adopted pursuant to subsection (a) of this section or the standards developed for external quality review by a contract under the provisions of subsection (c) of this section:

      (1) Require the managed care plan to submit and implement a plan of correction;

      (2) Limit new enrollment during any period of noncompliance;

      (3) Withhold state payments that may become due until the deficiencies are corrected; and

      (4) Prohibit the managed care plan from renewing or entering into new contracts to serve enrollees.

      (e) Not later than January 1, 1999, and annually thereafter, the commissioner shall submit a report to the Governor and the General Assembly which shall outline the overall effect of the HUSKY Plan, Part B on access to, utilization and quality of primary and preventive health care services for children and the impact of such plan on the health status of enrollees.

      (f) Not later than July 1, 1998, or the close of the calendar quarter following federal approval of the state children's health insurance plan, and quarterly thereafter, the commissioner shall submit a report to the Governor and the General Assembly which shall analyze enrollment levels in the HUSKY Plan, Part B in relation to the availability of state and federal funds for such plan and, if necessary, establish priorities for access under the HUSKY Plan, Part B to health insurance for eligible beneficiaries in families with income of less than two hundred thirty-five per cent of the federal poverty level.

      (October 29 Sp. Sess. P.A. 97-1, S. 10, 23.)

      History: Oct. 29 Sp. Sess. P.A. 97-1 effective October 30, 1997.

      Sec. 17b-299. Applications. Approval. (a) The commissioner or, at the commissioner's discretion, the single point of entry servicer shall review applications for eligibility to determine whether applicants or employers of applicants have discontinued employer-sponsored dependent coverage for the purpose of participation in the HUSKY Plan, Part B.

      (b) An application may be disapproved if it is determined that a child to be covered under the HUSKY Plan, Part B was covered by an employer-sponsored insurance within the last two months. If the commissioner determines that the time period specified in this subsection is insufficient to effectively deter applicants or employers of applicants from discontinuing employer-sponsored dependent coverage for the purpose of participation in the HUSKY Plan, Part B, the commissioner may extend such period for a maximum of an additional two months.

      (c) An application may be approved in cases where prior employer-sponsored coverage ended less than two months prior to the determination of eligibility for reasons unrelated to the availability of the HUSKY Plan, Part B, including, but not limited to:

      (1) Loss of employment due to factors other than voluntary termination;

      (2) Death of a parent;

      (3) Change to a new employer that does not provide an option for dependent coverage;

      (4) Change of address so that no employer-sponsored coverage is available;

      (5) Discontinuation of health benefits to all employees of the applicant's employer;

      (6) Expiration of the coverage periods established by the Consolidated Omnibus Budget Reconciliation Act of 1985, (P.L. 99-272) as amended from time to time, (COBRA);

      (7) Self-employment;

      (8) Termination of health benefits due to a long-term disability;

      (9) Termination of dependent coverage due to an extreme economic hardship on the part of either the employee or the employer, as determined by the commissioner; or

      (10) Substantial reduction in either lifetime medical benefits or benefit category available to an employee and dependents under an employer's health care plan.

      (October 29 Sp. Sess. P.A. 97-1, S. 11, 23; P.A. 01-137, S. 5, 9.)

      History: Oct. 29 Sp. Sess. P.A. 97-1 effective October 1, 1997; P.A. 01-137 amended Subsecs. (b) and (c) to substitute "two" months for "six" months, effective July 1, 2001.

      Sec. 17b-300. Notification of enrollee's change of circumstance. The applicant for an enrollee shall notify the enrollee's managed care plan of any change in circumstance that could affect the enrollee's continued eligibility for coverage under the HUSKY Plan, Part B within thirty days of such change. An enrollee shall be disenrolled if the commissioner determines the enrollee is no longer eligible for participation in such plan for reasons including, but not limited to, those specified in section 17b-301 and the nonpayment of premiums.

      (October 29 Sp. Sess. P.A. 97-1, S. 12, 23.)

      History: Oct. 29 Sp. Sess. P.A. 97-1 effective October 30, 1997.

      Sec. 17b-301. Recovery of payment for false statement, misrepresentation or concealment. Any payment made by the state on behalf of an enrollee as a result of any false statement, misrepresentation or concealment of or failure to disclose income or health insurance coverage by an applicant responsible for maintaining insurance may be recovered by the state.

      (October 29 Sp. Sess. P.A. 97-1, S. 13, 23.)

      History: Oct. 29 Sp. Sess. P.A. 97-1 effective October 30, 1997.

      Sec. 17b-302. Public involvement in design and implementation of HUSKY Plan, Part B. Submission of plan for public involvement to General Assembly. (a) The commissioner shall develop a program to involve the public in the design and implementation of the HUSKY Plan, Part B and to ensure ongoing public involvement. Such program shall include the opportunity to submit written comments and broad distribution of information and opportunities to the public and to consumers, consumer advocacy groups, medical providers and other organizations involved in children's health. Information available to the public shall include one or more preliminary documents identifying the state's options as well as the HUSKY Plan, Part B and a summary of the plan. Public notices and HUSKY Plan, Part B materials shall be available to persons with disabilities and to those who do not speak English.

      (b) The commissioner shall submit a plan for such program and any revisions thereto to the joint standing committees of the General Assembly having cognizance of matters relating to human services, public health, insurance and appropriations and the budgets of state agencies. Within fifteen days of receipt of the plan, said joint standing committees of the General Assembly may advise the commissioner of their approval, denial or modifications, if any, of the plan.

      (October 29 Sp. Sess. P.A. 97-1, S. 14, 23.)

      History: Oct. 29 Sp. Sess. P.A. 97-1 effective October 30, 1997.

      Sec. 17b-303. Income disregard. Application for federal waiver. (a) For purposes of determining eligibility for the HUSKY Plan, Part B and to the extent permitted by federal law and to the extent federal financial participation is available, the commissioner may disregard family income. Such disregard of family income shall allow subsidized coverage for an eligible beneficiary who resides in a household with a family income of not more than three hundred per cent of the federal poverty level. No such income disregard shall have the effect of granting eligibility for a child under the HUSKY Plan, Part A.

      (b) The commissioner may submit an application for a waiver under Section 1115 of the Social Security Act (1) to authorize the use of funds received under Title XXI of the Social Security Act to establish a non-Medicaid health insurance program for eligible beneficiaries who reside in a household with a family income of more than two hundred thirty-five per cent of the federal poverty level but less than three hundred per cent of the federal poverty level, and (2) to allow families under Section 2105(c)(3) of Title XXI of the Social Security Act to purchase health insurance under the HUSKY Plan, Part B with a sliding fee scale for families with an income up to three hundred per cent of the federal poverty level and at full premium for those uninsured families with an income of over three hundred per cent of the federal poverty level. The commissioner may submit an application for a waiver of allowable expenditures in excess of ten per cent under the provisions of Section 2105(c)(2) of Subtitle J of Public Law 105-33.

      (c) The commissioner shall submit any application for a federal waiver or proposed modification of any such waiver in connection with the HUSKY Plan, Part A and Part B, except the initial waivers specified under subsection (b) of this section, to the joint standing committees of the General Assembly having cognizance of matters relating to human services, public health, insurance and appropriations and the budgets of state agencies prior to the submission of such application or proposed modification to the federal government in accordance with the provisions of section 17b-8.

      (d) If the waiver specified in subdivision (1) of subsection (b) of this section is denied and the income disregard under subsection (a) of this section is not available, uninsured children who reside in a household with a family income of more than two hundred thirty-five per cent of the federal poverty level but less than three hundred per cent of the federal poverty level shall be eligible for unsubsidized benefits under the provisions of subsection (b) of section 17b-292.

      (October 29 Sp. Sess. P.A. 97-1, S. 15, 23; P.A. 98-8, S. 3, 5.)

      History: Oct. 29 Sp. Sess. P.A. 97-1 effective October 30, 1997; P.A. 98-8 amended Subsec. (a) re family income disregard to eliminate phrase "up to sixty-five per cent of the federal poverty level for the size of the family" and to establish that such income disregard shall not make a child eligible under the HUSKY Plan, Part A (Medicaid), effective April 7, 1998.

      Sec. 17b-304. Regulations. The commissioner shall implement the policies and procedures necessary to carry out the provisions of sections 17b-292 to 17b-303, inclusive, 17b-257b, 17b-261 and section 16 of public act 97-1 of the October 29 special session* while in the process of adopting such policies and procedures in regulation form, provided notice of intent to adopt the regulations is published in the Connecticut Law Journal within twenty days after implementation. Such policies and procedures shall be valid until the time final regulations are effective.

      (October 29 Sp. Sess. P.A. 97-1, S. 20, 23.)

      *Note: Section 16 of public act 97-1 of the October 29 special session is special in nature and therefore has not been codified but remains in full force and effect according to its terms.

      History: Oct. 29 Sp. Sess. P.A. 97-1 effective October 30, 1997.

      Secs. 17b-305 to 17b-319. Reserved for future use.

      Note: Chapter 319w is also reserved for future use.