OLR Bill Analysis

sHB 6405

AN ACT EXPANDING ELIGIBILITY FOR THE MILITARY SUPPORT PROGRAM.

SUMMARY:

This bill extends eligibility for transitional behavioral health services to members and dependents of members of any component, not just reserve components, of the U. S. Armed Forces called to active service for Operation Enduring Freedom (Afghanistan) or Operation Iraqi Freedom. But the bill limits, to within existing budgetary resources, agency responsibility to provide the services.

By law, the Department of Mental Health and Addiction Services, in collaboration with the Department of Children and Families, must provide the services when Department of Defense (DOD) coverage is unavailable or the member is ineligible for DOD services.

EFFECTIVE DATE: October 1, 2009

COMMITTEE ACTION

Select Committee on Veterans' Affairs

Joint Favorable Change of Reference

Public Health Committee

Joint Favorable Change of Reference

Appropriations Committee

Joint Favorable Substitute