DSS explains CHCP eligibility, asset limits and proposed cost‑sharing increase from 3% to 5%

DSS staff told the Appropriations subcommittee that the Connecticut Home Care Program (CHCP) has no income limit for participation, but participants with income above 200% of the federal poverty level are required to contribute toward the cost of care. The contribution is treated as patient liability in addition to statutory cost‑of‑care charges.

The department provided asset limits used for program eligibility: $47,376 for unmarried individuals and $63,168 for married individuals. DSS reported there are 1,869 state‑funded CHCP participants at a nursing‑home level of care in the current caseload.

On premiums and cost‑sharing, DSS staff gave historical context and said the participant premium percentage has fluctuated over the years (it was as high as 7%–9% historically). The department said the current budget recommendation moves a portion of participants from a 3% contribution up to 5%; DSS staff said the department expects the change to increase average monthly participant cost share modestly and that there will be a cap at $175 for extreme cases. Staff said average incremental changes are expected to be small because care plans and cost‑shares vary by participant.

DSS said additional asset and income limit details are available on the Connecticut Home Care for Elders site and that it would provide supplementary breakdowns to the committee on copay averages by care plan type.

Committee members asked whether the increase would price people out of services; DSS replied the cap and variability of care plans means the department does not expect large numbers of participants to lose access because of the modest increase, but said it would provide further analysis.