Rep. Sarah Keitt

Maddy summarySB 981 expands Medicaid eligibility for older adults and people with disabilities in Connecticut by raising the income limit to 159% of the temporary family assistance program's income threshold (up from previous levels). It removes asset limits for this group, allowing individuals with savings or property to qualify if they meet the income standard. The bill requires the state to provide applicants with written notices explaining how property transfers or income levels affect eligibility. It takes effect July 1, 2025, and aligns Connecticut's Medicaid rules with federal income calculation standards.

Maddy summarySB 1416 requires Connecticut's Medicaid agency to develop a strategic plan by July 2025 to increase home and community-based care options for Medicaid beneficiaries, particularly the elderly and disabled. The plan must address service gaps, aging population trends, facility conditions, and current care rates, with input from providers. It also establishes a committee to study care expansion options and submit a December 2025 report with recommendations and estimated savings from reducing nursing facility reliance. The bill directly affects Medicaid beneficiaries seeking alternatives to institutional care and the state's long-term care providers.

Maddy summarySB 1418 requires Connecticut's Commissioner of Social Services to seek a Medicaid waiver covering "food as medicine" (prescribed healthy foods for medical conditions) by July 2025, with a report due by January 2026 on its impact. It also increases the minimum monthly supplemental nutrition benefit to $95 and creates a farmers' market incentive program: SNAP recipients get a $1 credit for every $1 spent on fresh produce at certified markets (capped at $50 monthly). The bill directly affects Medicaid beneficiaries and SNAP recipients by expanding access to healthy food through healthcare and nutrition programs. Key provisions take effect July 1, 2025, with the incentive program launching by September 1, 2025.

Maddy summarySB 1299 updates Connecticut's Medicaid dental coverage by establishing an annual $1,000 limit for nonemergency adult dental services, excluding preventive care (like cleanings and exams) and medically necessary treatments such as dentures. It requires prior authorization for most nonemergency services, defines "emergency" as conditions causing severe pain or health risks requiring immediate care, and mandates specific annual coverage: one dental exam, two cleanings, and periodontal therapy for "healthy adults" (ages 21+ with no dental disease affecting overall health). The bill takes effect July 1, 2025, directly affecting Medicaid recipients and dental providers by restructuring benefit limits and service requirements.

Maddy summaryHB 5580 requires Connecticut's Medicaid program to cover diabetes prevention, education, self-management, and specialized nutrition therapy services for eligible beneficiaries, effective July 1, 2025. The bill also establishes a Diabetes Advisory Council (Section 2) to study and recommend improvements to diabetes care, composed of medical experts, legislators, public health officials, and a person with diabetes or prediabetes. This directly affects Medicaid recipients with diabetes or prediabetes by expanding access to preventive care. The council must submit annual reports starting January 2026, with the commissioner required to report on enrollment and health impacts by the same deadline.

Maddy summaryHB 6885 expands Connecticut's debt-free community college program to cover tuition and fees at Connecticut State Community Colleges for qualifying students. It provides awards covering the unpaid portion of tuition/fees after other financial aid (excluding loans), with minimums of $500 for full-time students and $300 for part-time students, for the first 72 credit hours. The program applies to Connecticut residents who graduated high school, enrolled full- or part-time in a degree/certificate program, completed the FAFSA, and met academic progress requirements. The Board of Regents must report on participation, award amounts, credit completion, and program outcomes to state legislators.

Maddy summaryHB 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.

Maddy summaryThis bill expands workers' compensation coverage for post-traumatic stress injury (PTSD) to include witnessing a serious physical injury that does not result in death or permanent disfigurement. It directly affects first responders (police, firefighters, EMTs), correction employees, telecommunicators, and healthcare workers - specifically broadening eligibility for PTSD claims beyond existing qualifying events like viewing a death or severe disfigurement. The key change adds "witnessing a serious physical injury" to the list of qualifying traumatic events under Section 31-294k, effective October 1, 2025. This allows eligible workers to file for PTSD-related compensation after observing such injuries during their duties, without requiring the injury to be fatal or cause permanent disfigurement.

Maddy summaryHB 6229 bans polystyrene foodware (like foam containers) and most single-use plastic items (including straws, stirrers, and food accessories) for food vendors, government agencies, schools, and businesses starting July 1, 2027. Exceptions include biodegradable straws provided upon request (especially for people with disabilities) and specific packaging uses like pre-sealed food or meat storage. The bill also requires state/municipal buildings and schools to install reusable water bottle filling stations when replacing drinking fountains, effective January 2027. A task force will study sustainable alternatives and report by February 2026, but the law itself focuses on direct restrictions and infrastructure changes.

Maddy summaryHB 7022 requires Medicaid to cover fertility diagnostic care, preservation services, and treatment for individuals with infertility, effective January 1, 2026. It mandates coverage for medically necessary ovulation-enhancing drugs and at least three cycles of medication treatment to achieve pregnancy. The bill specifically defines "infertility" and requires the state to report by July 2026 on potential costs and Medicaid waivers for including in-vitro fertilization (IVF) coverage. This expansion directly affects Medicaid beneficiaries seeking fertility care, which is currently not covered under standard Medicaid benefits.