SB 289 Connecticut Senate · 2026 Regular Session

AN ACT CONCERNING FUNDING OF THE QUALITY METRICS PROGRAM FOR NURSING HOMES.

SB 289 establishes a state-funded quality metrics program for nursing homes, directly affecting facilities serving Medicaid beneficiaries. It creates two funding pools: a $10 million annual pool for performance-based payments tied to quality metrics (using CMS measures and consumer surveys), and a $2.5-$5 million pool for facilities with over 75% Medicaid residents. Nursing homes must report quality metrics annually, with payments determined by performance scores - excluding facilities flagged for serious quality issues. The program begins October 1, 2026, with payments phased in over time using existing Medicaid appropriations.

Issues: ✓ Healthcare

Bill status in committee 1 of 4 stages cleared

Introduction

Feb 2026

Committee Review

Floor Vote

Governor

Introduced Feb 19, 2026 Last action Apr 14, 2026

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What changed between versions

Raised Bill → AGE Joint Favorable Substitute · 4 edits

MODERATE

The bill was converted from a 'Raised Bill' to a 'Joint Favorable Substitute,' indicating it has been amended and approved by both legislative chambers. The most significant substantive change is the effective date of the new quality metrics program, which was moved from October 1, 2026, to 'from passage,' allowing the program to begin immediately upon the bill's enactment. Additionally, the text was cleaned up to remove conflicting duplicate sections and formatting errors present in the original draft.

Scope change

The bill's scope regarding the start date of the quality metrics program changed from a fixed future date to the date the bill becomes law.

TIMELINE

The effective date for the Department of Social Services' quality metrics program was changed from October 1, 2026, to 'from passage,' accelerating the implementation timeline.

TECHNICAL

The bill title was updated from 'Raised Bill No. 289' to 'Substitute Bill No. 289' to reflect its status as a joint favorable substitute.

Duplicate and conflicting text regarding the program establishment was removed to ensure the statute is clear and consistent.

Minor formatting and punctuation corrections were made, such as adding an apostrophe to 'Medicaid Services'.

Floor votes

How they voted

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Full legislative history

Actions timeline

Total actions

Key actions

Committee

Apr 13, 2026

Upper · Passed

Joint Favorable

upper

Mar 5, 2026

Upper · Passed

Joint Favorable Substitute

upper

Feb 19, 2026

Committee

REF. TO JOINT COMM. ON Aging

upper

4 primary · 0 co-sponsors