Bill > SB00003

This bill establishes the Connecticut Affordable Health Care Trust Fund, which will be managed by the State Treasurer and used to implement the Connecticut Option affordable health care program, designed to create more affordable health insurance coverage for eligible residents, particularly those with incomes up to 200% of the federal poverty level or those between 400% and 600% of the federal poverty level who are ineligible for federal subsidies. The bill also authorizes the creation of a Basic Health Program to provide health coverage to eligible individuals with incomes between 133% and 200% of the federal poverty level, aiming to maximize federal funding for these initiatives. Additionally, it mandates that hospitals offer financial assistance programs for uninsured patients based on income, with specific provisions for those experiencing homelessness, and establishes a working group to oversee the design and implementation of these programs, while also addressing changes in federal law that may impact public health and safety net programs, including work and community engagement requirements for Medicaid and SNAP beneficiaries. Finally, the bill makes several changes to health insurance carrier procedures, including updated timelines for prior authorization requests and improved notification requirements for adverse benefit determinations, and clarifies rules regarding spousal liability for medical debt.

Health and Social Services

Human Services Committee (Joint)

https://www.cga.ct.gov/asp/cgabillstatus/cgabillstatus.asp?selBillType=Bill&bill_num=SB00003&which_year=2026