HB 6886 establishes a program to reimburse licensed registered nurses (RNs) and licensed practical nurses (LPNs) who are state residents for student loan payments. To qualify, participants must volunteer 50 unpaid hours annually in underserved areas - such as health professional shortage zones or designated municipal areas - through approved nonprofits or local governments. The program reimburses up to $5,000 per year for student loan payments, with applications processed on a first-come basis starting January 2026. The Office of Higher Education will administer the program, track participation, and report annually on its effectiveness to the legislature.
HB 6911 adjusts asset limits for Connecticut’s HUSKY C health program, which provides Medicaid coverage to seniors (65+) and disabled/blind adults (18-64). It requires the state to annually increase the asset limits - currently $1,600 for single individuals and $2,400 for married couples - by at least the percentage increase in the consumer price index (CPI) for urban consumers. This adjustment, starting July 1, 2025, aims to keep eligibility aligned with inflation. The bill also mandates annual reports (starting July 2026) to the legislature on program eligibility changes and associated state costs.
HB 7040 requires Connecticut's Insurance Commissioner to conduct a study comparing the state's health coverage guidelines with other states, examining transparency in health insurers' utilization review processes, and reviewing mandates for coverage of life-saving treatments (unless medical evidence justifies denial). The study will assess whether current policies align with evidence-based standards and explore potential revisions to review timelines. The Insurance Department must complete the study and submit findings to the legislature by February 1, 2026, at an estimated one-time cost of $200,000-$300,000. This bill does not change existing coverage requirements but directs a review of current practices.
HB 6487 requires the Auditors of Public Accounts and the Office of Policy and Management to review how much public and private providers cost to deliver residential, day, and work programs for individuals with intellectual disabilities who receive 24-hour care through the Department of Developmental Services. The review must compare costs between public and private providers, analyze cost differences based on client need levels, assess care quality in residential settings, and recommend the most cost-effective system. The auditors must submit a report by February 15, 2026, to the legislature’s government oversight committee. This bill directly affects the state’s funding structure for these services and impacts both public agencies and private service providers serving this population.
HB 7094 requires Connecticut's Office of Workforce Strategy to form a working group by January 2026. This group must develop a plan for a state grant program to expand paid internships and work-based learning opportunities for students in postsecondary education (like community colleges and universities). The plan must evaluate current programs, assess regional and industry needs, create a model for employer-student participation, and detail how grants would be awarded, including eligibility and funding levels. The bill directly affects students seeking paid work experience, employers offering such opportunities, and higher education institutions.
HB 6898 removes the age 60+ requirement for drivers to qualify for a 5% auto insurance premium discount after completing a state-approved 4-hour accident prevention course. This change expands eligibility to all drivers who complete the course, not just older drivers, with the discount applying for at least 24 months. The bill also requires Connecticut's Insurance Commissioner to study auto insurance laws in other states - focusing on coverage and premium reduction practices - and report findings to lawmakers by February 2026. The discount provision takes effect October 1, 2025, while the study requirement begins immediately upon passage.
HB 7101 establishes a 16-member commission to study whether Connecticut should adopt a single-payer health care system called "HUSKY for All." The commission, including state health officials, insurers, hospitals, patient advocates, and representatives from labor and business, will analyze current health care costs, funding sources, and potential tax-based financing. It will specifically examine eliminating deductibles and copays, consolidating programs, and setting uniform provider payments. This bill only authorizes the study - no health care program is created or implemented by this measure.
HB 7187 requires Connecticut's Office of Policy and Management to implement six specific recommendations from a 2024 report on employment programs for people with disabilities. The bill directs the state to assess pilot grants for mid-sized businesses covering accommodation costs, expand transitional workforce services for youth with disabilities, evaluate tax credits for hiring disabled employees with health coverage, and create a public disability employment toolkit with resources and ADA information. It also mandates listing employers promoting inclusive workplaces and analyzing data to identify employment service needs. The implementation will cost approximately $772,500 in fiscal year 2026, primarily for consultant services and new internships. The bill directly affects businesses (especially mid-sized employers), people with disabilities seeking jobs, and state agencies like Developmental Services.
HB 7215 requires Connecticut's Department of Mental Health and Addiction Services to create a program providing prevention, treatment, and rehabilitation services for individuals and families affected by Internet gaming disorder. This disorder is defined as chronic preoccupation with video games that harms personal, family, or work life. The program may partner with regional organizations and nonprofits to deliver services, and the department may charge a sliding-scale fee to participants who can afford to pay. The program becomes effective October 1, 2025.
HB 7245 requires Connecticut's Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) to include voter registration applications with all driver's license, license renewal, and state ID applications starting October 1, 2025. It mandates that applicants attest under penalty of perjury to eligibility requirements (like U.S. citizenship, address, and voting rights) without needing witnesses, while allowing electronic verification of some criteria. The DMV must transmit completed applications to local election officials within specific timeframes, ensuring eligible applicants are registered for upcoming elections. This directly affects all Connecticut residents applying for or renewing driver's licenses or state IDs at DMV offices.
HB 6775 increases the monthly personal needs allowance (PNA) for Medicaid recipients living in long-term care facilities, currently set at $75. Starting July 1, 2025, the allowance will automatically rise annually by 25% of the federal Supplemental Security Income (SSI) program's cost-of-living adjustment (COLA), if any. This change directly affects residents in licensed nursing homes, chronic disease hospitals, intermediate care facilities, and state humane institutions who rely on Medicaid. The funds will be deposited into residents' personal accounts for incidental expenses like haircuts, phone calls, or newspapers, ensuring the allowance keeps pace with inflation. The bill requires annual adjustments without additional legislative action, with estimated costs of $500,000-$800,000 in fiscal year 2026.
HB 7023 requires Connecticut's Medicaid program to reimburse certified peer support specialists for providing recovery-focused help to Medicaid enrollees with mental health or substance use challenges. It defines peer support specialists as individuals with lived recovery experience who are certified by the Department of Mental Health and Addiction Services. The bill mandates Medicaid reimbursement for these services starting July 2025 and requires the Department of Social Services to report by August 2026 on how many specialists are paid, how many enrollees they serve, and treatment outcomes. This directly affects Medicaid patients seeking peer support and certified peer specialists providing these services.
