AN ACT CONCERNING HOMELESSNESS AND THE CHESS PROGRAM.

HB 7188 establishes the "CHESS" (Connecticut Housing Engagement and Support Services) initiative to improve housing stability and health outcomes for people experiencing homelessness with complex health conditions. It requires the Social Services Commissioner to adjust Medicaid funding rates for CHESS providers to match supportive housing program rates, prioritize housing vouchers for newly enrolled unhoused participants, and prevent reimbursement decreases for providers serving both programs. The bill also creates a new oversight committee with housing, human services, and homelessness advocacy representatives to review CHESS services and require quarterly agency reports. This bill directly affects homeless individuals with health needs and the state agencies managing Medicaid and housing support services.