[{"_1":2,"_124":-5,"_125":-5},"loaderData",{"_3":4,"_26":27},"root",{"_5":6,"_17":10,"_18":19,"_20":21,"_22":10,"_23":-5,"_24":-5,"_25":10},"user",{"_7":8,"_9":10,"_11":10,"_12":-5,"_13":-5,"_14":15,"_16":-5},"roles",[],"isAuthenticated",false,"isPremium","planName","subscriptionStatus","featureFlags",{},"insightsBudget","isDevelopmentHost","userPreferences",{},"recaptchaSiteKey","6LcvOJcUAAAAAHsB-gPGfGktcRlKpH7OTIU_dMTD","isImpersonating","impersonation","affiliateStatus","isFreedomPortal","routes/v2/article/layout",{"_28":29,"_30":31},"notFound",true,"relatedArticles",[32,76,88,100,112],{"_33":34,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":40,"_41":42,"_43":44,"_45":46,"_47":48,"_49":50,"_51":52,"_53":54,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":60,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":66,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":72,"_73":74,"_75":74},"mediaId",6659405,"mediaKeyId","2471606-a6034bf03b73c90ced4195d0b22d1282","parentId",2471606,"title","DSS urges changes in agency bill, highlights child support, SNAP staggering, autism registry and Medicaid flexibility","audioSeconds",1233,"startMs",85000,"endMs",1318000,"viewUrl","/Search/View?dp=1&key=2471606-a6034bf03b73c90ced4195d0b22d1282&start=85&end=1318","thumbnailUrl","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2471606-a6034bf03b73c90ced4195d0b22d1282/thumbnail_85000.jpg","articleUrl","/articles/6659405/Connecticut/DSS-urges-changes-in-agency-bill-highlights-child-support-SNAP-staggering-autism-registry-and-Medicaid-flexibility","mediaUrl","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6659405-92bf8ea07c6f4cbab2923e4f63d1ceb2/orig.mp4?Expires=1771157474&Signature=D0095QAhkfcSOA5EFgJjlyYjIRNHy1Ean8LUxrdBOZBaAUsA~sKIC6-TS4yDVtIQiiDodRXrNEx6B4pZWi9cELF8jJx-4puKNdJCWAkCYDW9~SOU1sDvSnA~LDi6qkXZ2MJSXx5EIcYgeYv7v6u0AjZyf8JUWmAGSIa5auSBogZvbcZrsJK5SxoW8vnM~~ifk5hxLvux3dL7QNiVk7Ui6DnFHVXO4f476F-tgLV5M7q124Hca82ntEAL7ana2ZCB5UfwLNCaGR8xNCRAwKzauhwu96wPCfniEZJ~WQuAzp1DkceXfldnTAZEX7Bd6rOMkCns9LvoERlTizUFfJO7QA__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","author","Connecticut State Legislature - Human Services Committee","date","2025-02-28T15:54:33.613Z","article","Commissioner Andrea Barton Reeves, head of the Connecticut Department of Social Services (DSS), told the Human Services Committee during the Feb. 27 public hearing that DSS has provided written testimony on Senate Bill 13‑59 and would like the committee to adopt several targeted statutory changes rather than a wholesale rewrite.

DSS emphasized four items it said merit prompt attention. First, the department said state law currently blocks an administrative modification of some child support orders when the obligor is incarcerated for offenses against the custodial parent or child; federal partners told DSS that exception violates federal requirements. \"We need to have a legislative change in order for us to be able to comply with this federal mandate,\" Commissioner Reeves said, warning that the department could risk title IV‑D grant funding that covers roughly two‑thirds of child‑support program costs if the statutory exception is not removed.

Second, DSS asked the committee to allow the department to begin staggering SNAP (FoodShare) distributions starting March 1, 2026 and to narrow the scope of an ongoing reporting requirement after the new schedule is implemented. The commissioner asked for a single implementation report rather than repeated annual reports unless problems are identified.

Third, Reeves pressed for access changes tied to the state abuse and neglect registry. When responsibility for some programs moved from the Department of Developmental Services (DDS) to DSS, an access right to an Abuse and Neglect Registry did not move with the programs. \"We would very much like to have a change to that when the registry moved from DDS to DSS,\" Reeves said, arguing the change is needed so screening of providers working with vulnerable people — including those on the autism waiver — can be completed consistently.

Fourth, the agency wants to retain flexibility to change Medicaid delivery and payment models when necessary. The commissioner warned that a bill requiring legislative approval for any change in the HUSKY reimbursement or delivery model (for example, moving wholesale from fee‑for‑service to managed care) would be redundant in some cases because state plan amendments already require legislative approval when they amount to major program changes. She cited the Program of All‑Inclusive Care for the Elderly (PACE) and other initiatives as examples where statutory flexibility allowed Connecticut to implement federally approved, evidence‑based models.

The commissioner also highlighted other sections of the bill: a request to allow administrative automation for interstate child‑support enforcement; a proposal to add reporting contacts to assisted‑living postings so residents and families can reach DSS Protective Services; and language to phase an autism waiver onto DSS’s administration while preserving tools the department needs to vet providers.

Committee members pressed DSS staff for detail. Deputy Commissioner Peter Hadler explained federal consequences if Connecticut does not remove the incarceration exception: the state risks losing sizeable IV‑D funding. Nicole Godburn, DSS director of reimbursement, said the department’s nursing‑home rate rules already reference an inflation measure (the GDP deflator) and explained when and how it applies.

What happened next: committee members responded with clarifying questions and said they would expect to work with DSS staff on redrafting specific language. Several legislators expressed interest in examples and models from other states to ensure any language balanced legislative oversight and administrative flexibility.

Why it matters: SB 13‑59 contains multiple technical fixes and policy changes that affect large programs — child support, SNAP, abuse reporting, and Medicaid program design — and DSS told the committee that several are forced by federal requirements, funding structures or program operations.","mediaType","Video","parentTitle","Human Services Public Hearing","oneSentenceSummary","Commissioner Andrea Barton Reeves told the Human Services Committee that several technical fixes are needed in Senate Bill 13‑59 to comply with federal child‑support rules, expand abuse‑registry access for disability‑services screening, implement staggered SNAP distributions and preserve flexibility to adjust Medicaid payment and delivery models.","taxTitle","Human Services, House of Representatives, Committees, Legislative, Connecticut","taxId",15588,"location","Connecticut","headline","","shortSummary",{"_33":77,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":78,"_41":79,"_43":80,"_45":81,"_47":82,"_49":83,"_51":84,"_53":85,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":86,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":87,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":72,"_73":74,"_75":74},6659396,"Nonprofit providers press legislature to index state contract rates to inflation",11901,756000,12657000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=2471606-a6034bf03b73c90ced4195d0b22d1282&start=756&end=12657","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2471606-a6034bf03b73c90ced4195d0b22d1282/thumbnail_756000.jpg","/articles/6659396/Connecticut/Nonprofit-providers-press-legislature-to-index-state-contract-rates-to-inflation","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6659396-79587abab34ba0ff9b0cb4710c585d97/orig.mp4?Expires=1771157474&Signature=QiYXyqXDSJEielUR93FhJjUWvZZxDUWL3-j0RhNS3KGKSc1COhmLhgrJqw0pcWRZoZQ3JYwpJzQIh0Xtp~v0RnE--ACYIu8-bGGFTuKkuJxR~PKo-lk7mif-jUh9FJDxDZHHefUqBRnBZjhckX9yOBPf3mQQzuLZBEG1hQR5UwHDt8~abSEUkQ2iPJTvbmN~RpWtlx6dvpYuK-o9-c35DJ1ZdKtkBgvo4tILFe1zyJL0HR8KpXFIvf9gW6Rw7gyjQ7TloAzN8Nnbuo5fAMJdBhKKqsjMEVx6MiLLV8PNo8pqFbJUW7kYQoHiP6EHIkXdEVFGlhuAJ3ouInK~ANCDhA__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","A steady stream of nonprofit leaders and program directors told the Human Services Committee they support substitute language for Senate Bill 13‑58 that would index state contract compensation to inflation.

Speakers included Jennifer Chudukiewicz of the Southeastern Council on Alcoholism and Drug Dependence (SCAD), Robin Sharp of Easterseals, Becca Atkins of ArtReach, Len Cipollone of Easterseals Greater Waterbury, and Jennifer Gaines on behalf of the National Diaper Bank Network. Testimony spanned treatment providers, disability services, senior care advocates and arts organizations; all said state contract rates have not kept pace with years of rising costs and temporary or one‑time federal funds do not create sustainable programs.

Common points from witnesses:

- Historic underfunding: Organizations cited decades of compressed purchasing power. One summary estimate presented to the committee said nonprofit contract rates would need roughly a 45% increase to match 2007 buying power, whereas cumulative increases provided in recent years total about 15%.

- Workforce and turnover: Speakers said inadequate rates make it difficult to recruit and retain frontline staff such as direct‑support professionals, community health workers, clinicians and peer specialists. Several providers reported turnover rates far higher than historic norms and that vacancies force program reductions or waiting lists.

- Administrative burden and timing: Multiple providers urged clarifying the 30‑day payment language in SB 13‑58; organizations said a strict \"30 days after delivery of service\" rule could be administratively impossible because Medicaid contracts cover services delivered over time and invoicing can be monthly. Reliance Health and other providers said delayed or unpredictable payments mean they sometimes bridge payroll using lines of credit.

- Indexing as stability: Witnesses and the Connecticut Nonprofit Alliance argued indexing contract rates to a transparent inflation measure would allow organizations to plan, avoid last‑minute funding crises and keep staff paid competitively.

Committee members asked for more specifics on current payment timing, audit burdens, and possible guardrails or volatility caps if indexing is adopted. Nonprofit representatives said indexing should be paired with reasonable accountability and suggested quarterly reporting rather than unfocused audit bursts.

Why it matters: Connecticut’s contracted nonprofits provide core services for thousands of state residents. Witnesses told the committee that without a durable approach to keep contract rates aligned with real costs, service capacity will shrink, waiting lists will lengthen and staffing shortages will intensify.","A broad cross‑section of Connecticut nonprofit human‑services providers told the Human Services Committee that Senate Bill 13‑58 should be amended to index state contract rates to inflation, saying years of underfunding threaten staff retention and service capacity.",{"_33":89,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":90,"_41":91,"_43":92,"_45":93,"_47":94,"_49":95,"_51":96,"_53":97,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":98,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":99,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":72,"_73":74,"_75":74},6659387,"Families, providers and advocates urge Medicaid coverage for medically necessary children's diapers",4793,16459000,11666000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=2471606-a6034bf03b73c90ced4195d0b22d1282&start=16459&end=11666","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2471606-a6034bf03b73c90ced4195d0b22d1282/thumbnail_16459000.jpg","/articles/6659387/Connecticut/Families-providers-and-advocates-urge-Medicaid-coverage-for-medically-necessary-childrens-diapers","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6659387-0843cdd5067b9d79462de6dccd8f6f89/orig.mp4?Expires=1771157474&Signature=P3-tTiqi7P9SlfW8rey4g~Xtnqe492bLvQjO80KwJXa2nFCmdjpmweXSmuKXeAmR~q1WFwOtFIBQe2ubsq2zn8T10zTnQPpO1BTZYb5lD4Me1mrPh2kNjd4JSZFfQnuDI7Tn-18Q~OLTbHyHK2hqUtWa2q6jtR1RWGPgMRlazCSWOe1IB2RyyKanfcYJsgYNqXzD5gEvF6H8pL5X~T9aLt5bUp9zncl5jpDx5HZxvPAIKn2yHvLsv7hEOdhQgNEZXI~HMpd2RrK~odm8FHi9CfpslLHFB5JGbp6PnHhL-Mc3Ps-04wgCwjrp5nDuL6cYvS-D0DVTsuAckgFBdBHCUA__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","A wide coalition—parents, pediatricians, the Diaper Bank of Connecticut, child advocates and health‑system representatives—testified in support of House Bill 69‑37, which would allow Medicaid coverage for medically necessary diapers for young children.

What witnesses said

- Medical and family impacts: Several pediatricians and parents described cases in which insufficient diaper supplies contributed to severe diaper dermatitis and urinary tract infections and raised maternal stress and depression. Dr. Selena Osei of the Connecticut Hospital Association said diaper insecurity increases risk for skin infections and UTIs and that covering medically necessary diapers is a preventive strategy that may avoid costlier medical care later.

- Target and cost questions: Witnesses emphasized they were supporting narrowly targeted coverage for medically necessary infants and toddlers rather than universal free diaper programs; the Department of Social Services told the committee it has cost estimates for several coverage scenarios and that broader coverage (covering all children under 3 regardless of medical need) would be materially more expensive than a medically necessary, targeted approach.

- Equity and access: Advocates including the Diaper Bank of Connecticut and community organizations said charitable diaper distributions are vital but insufficient to meet the need and that Medicaid coverage for medically necessary diapers would reduce inequities, help families return to work, and prevent avoidable health care use.

Questions from lawmakers

Legislators asked about how Connecticut’s estimate compares to other states that have targeted Medicaid coverage for diapers and whether such coverage should be tied to specific medical diagnoses or evidence of medical necessity. DSS said the agency would supply finer cost breakdowns and urged caution in adopting broad mandates that are not budgeted in the governor’s plan.

Why it matters: Parents and clinicians framed the bill as a preventive health intervention that would protect children’s health, reduce avoidable medical visits, and ease financial strain on low‑income families.","Parents, pediatricians and the Diaper Bank urged the Human Services Committee to adopt HB 6937, which would allow Medicaid coverage of medically necessary diapers for children, saying diaper insecurity can cause serious skin infections and impose steep financial and caregiving burdens on low‑income families.",{"_33":101,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":102,"_41":103,"_43":104,"_45":105,"_47":106,"_49":107,"_51":108,"_53":109,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":110,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":111,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":72,"_73":74,"_75":74},6659392,"Food banks and farmers ask legislature for $10 million to expand Connecticut Nutrition Assistance Program",174,8158000,8332000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=2471606-a6034bf03b73c90ced4195d0b22d1282&start=8158&end=8332","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2471606-a6034bf03b73c90ced4195d0b22d1282/thumbnail_8158000.jpg","/articles/6659392/Connecticut/Food-banks-and-farmers-ask-legislature-for-10-million-to-expand-Connecticut-Nutrition-Assistance-Program","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6659392-11c1e1e8be4b1f6fca7d5fb7876ef6f2/orig.mp4?Expires=1771157474&Signature=PaVeWMIdPNBRNqlRDGi41tY5Oih3nq9rO-nLNOOJK40MgdWhiwcYnjxTmIEYKDw7YBcpTl0JhVZekaYHs04XJmp01vbf-4ReWBvUyoHI1eagvVAkwZwf~chPI61jmpnfuN6P2e5cWxCNPRrIZu3jJFZDxO44eUafGFraOM5EP-vd98hkC7ejXf7ErKiMWeiHLWMLiL6UpAeUdXlTmUrEYnk8UF4B463h-SCjv3V8zc19dj2Ffawzvvm9we0izw9jUobcSh643AFVoauFhojCGpRJlC9eznsk5sHaBiVUnuvermNVvzsqeoxWvDudaWI8V5D04CG9HgPuyuuoq6rxzg__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","Connecticut FoodShare, joined by a wide coalition of food‑pantry operators, farmers and local nonprofits, urged the Human Services Committee to increase state funding for the Connecticut Nutrition Assistance Program (CTNAP) and to dedicate a portion of the funds to purchasing locally grown produce.

Jason Jacobowski, president and CEO of Connecticut FoodShare, told the committee CTNAP currently receives roughly $900,000 a year from the state despite statewide food‑bank distributions of tens of millions of meals; he and other witnesses urged a $10,000,000 appropriation. The bill in the committee would enlarge CTNAP appropriations and require at least 15% of the state allocation be used to purchase produce and other products directly from Connecticut farmers.

Witnesses argued the additional funds would expand food bank supply now strained by post‑pandemic demand; FoodShare said distribution levels are back to the high volumes seen during the pandemic. The group also highlighted the benefits of buying local food: it provides fresh produce to pantries while supporting Connecticut farmers and the state agricultural economy. The FoodShare testimony noted prior federal programs (e.g., an LFPA purchase program) helped connect local farms to food banks but federal funding for that effort has been uncertain.

Representatives from local United Ways, market operators and volunteer pantry directors said the funding would help reach seniors, homebound residents and families facing acute food insecurity. Lawmakers asked about whether federal SNAP cuts could increase demand (witnesses said yes), and asked about the mechanics of guaranteeing local purchases; FoodShare emphasized state funding with a set local‑purchase percent would shore up a dependable market for Connecticut growers.

Why it matters: Food banks say they are seeing demand at near‑pandemic levels while state CTNAP funding has been very small compared with other nearby states. The proposal would both increase food bank purchasing power and create a stable market for local farmers who have supplied donated produce but have limited guaranteed public customers.","Connecticut FoodShare and partner organizations told the Human Services Committee that the state\u000092s longstanding Connecticut Nutrition Assistance Program (CTNAP) is underfunded at roughly $900,000 and urged passage of HB 7,021 to raise the appropriation toward $10 million annually and require at least 15% be spent on produce purchased from C",{"_33":113,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":114,"_41":115,"_43":116,"_45":117,"_47":118,"_49":119,"_51":120,"_53":121,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":122,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":123,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":72,"_73":74,"_75":74},6659400,"DSS opposes bill to require legislative confirmation for Medicaid director, warns politicization could harm program continuity",1669,366000,2035000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=2471606-a6034bf03b73c90ced4195d0b22d1282&start=366&end=2035","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2471606-a6034bf03b73c90ced4195d0b22d1282/thumbnail_366000.jpg","/articles/6659400/Connecticut/DSS-opposes-bill-to-require-legislative-confirmation-for-Medicaid-director-warns-politicization-could-harm-program-continuity","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6659400-21ad54fb6efbf9220a3c09d924f1688d/orig.mp4?Expires=1771157474&Signature=hFR7HbN7uFNmOafB7nOgqVWyucWJqicyxucXEdAywYkZXhr4g2ldVsBoZw5KaSIp2d6DD87WENkK5I~ypR515xPDOtcHlb010Y1GKRUOs-xWbRAy-EWDhti2bj9JhJTD1VEjcZsDzr6h99BsQFhKygBQz5JIpEfHrFRdo8D-GY0Mr4QNzDsPqEolIQGnyNEMSaNA4ARM5BIEu1Apkvjf4EhtXclYhIegkZqXVTm8gs-82e3fanpSxuAl7ixVKFaZ3VnNefGgu9hlLY41zbekCQaRXi7PDCnBwsUONtwJMisHnacLpA1ZUNnTLVAFy~3dlMoTyeg59EVkpW3mHsklVQ__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","Department of Social Services Commissioner Andrea Barton Reeves told the Human Services Committee she opposes Senate Bill 13‑60, which would make the state’s Medicaid director a legislatively confirmed appointment. The commissioner’s written and oral testimony said the change would inject politics into a role she described as requiring continuity and deep subject‑matter expertise.

Reeves said Connecticut’s Medicaid director has traditionally been a classified position and that prior long‑serving directors — including Kate McAvoy and others — served through multiple administrations. \"A politically appointed Medicaid director does not lend itself to the stability and consistency that our Medicaid program really needs,\" she testified, adding that the state’s Medicaid program is among the nation’s higher performing systems and that continuity in leadership has contributed to that record.

Committee members asked how the Medicaid director position is currently classified; DSS staff confirmed the position is a classified (non‑political) staff role. Several legislators said they raised the confirmation idea to create more legislative oversight and public accountability for a position that manages a multi‑billion‑dollar program and affects hundreds of thousands of residents, and invited the agency to discuss alternative oversight mechanisms. The commissioner offered to work with lawmakers to examine other states’ models and to provide examples showing how confirmation could affect recruitment and transitions.

Why it matters: The bill pits two widely shared goals against one another — legislative oversight of a major public program and protection of continuity and technical knowledge at the program leadership level. The committee discussion suggested lawmakers want to explore models used in other states but that DSS is wary of creating a political appointment that may create turnover and delay in a program that accounts for a large portion of the state budget.","Commissioner Andrea Barton Reeves told the Human Services Committee she strongly opposes Senate Bill 13‑60, which would require legislative confirmation of the state's Medicaid director, saying the move could politicize a technical leadership post and threaten continuity in a $10 billion program.","actionData","errors"]

Article not found

DSS urges changes in agency bill, highlights child support, SNAP staggering, autism registry and Medicaid flexibility

Nonprofit providers press legislature to index state contract rates to inflation

Families, providers and advocates urge Medicaid coverage for medically necessary children's diapers

Food banks and farmers ask legislature for $10 million to expand Connecticut Nutrition Assistance Program

DSS opposes bill to require legislative confirmation for Medicaid director, warns politicization could harm program continuity