(photo) Sen. Seminara votes to allow family members to be compensated as caregivers

For Immediate Release:

Sen. Seminara, Lawmakers Vote to Allow Family Members
to be Compensated as Caregivers

On Dec. 13, the state legislature’s Appropriations and Human Services Committees approved a new waiver requirement for services through the Department of Development Services (DDS). Within this waiver requirement update, a provision of Public Act 23-137 will be enacted to allow immediate family members to be compensated as primary caregivers to individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities (I/DD).

“Today’s bipartisan vote represents a win-win-win scenario for caregivers, their families and Connecticut’s nonprofit providers,” said Sen. Lisa Seminara, Ranking Senator on the Human Services Committee. “On the Human Services Committee, we work collaboratively with community stakeholders to address the needs and challenges of our most vulnerable residents. I am confident this productive work will continue in 2024, and I thank my legislative colleagues for their focus on helping individuals with I/DD and their passion to make a positive difference in people’s lives.”

“This was a collaborative effort, among individuals, their families, and other key stakeholders, to accomplish two primary goals. The first is to provide financial compensation to people who also serve as a caregiver to an immediate family member. The second goal of the policy, now that family members can be compensated, is effectively freeing up additional resources to allow our non-profit partners and state agencies to provide a better quality of care to more clients,” said Rep. Jay Case (R-Winsted), who serves as Ranking Member of the Human Services Committee.

“The approval of this waiver requirement for services to the disability community and the people that care for them signifies a substantial step toward fostering inclusivity and accessibility for all individuals,” said Rep. Lucy Dathan (D-Norwalk/New Canaan), who serves as a Vice-Chair to the Human Services Committee. “I am pleased with the progress we are making on finding solutions that address the needs of this vulnerable community.”

The requirement applies to the three home- and community-based Medicaid waivers administered by DDS that serve people with intellectual disabilities: the Comprehensive Supports Waiver, the Individual and Family Support Waiver, and the Employment and Day Supports Waiver.

The approval of the DDS waiver requirement represents one piece of the comprehensive intent of Public Act 23-137, which is to lower wait times for developmental services.

Attached photo:

Rep. Jay Case, Sen. Lisa Seminara, Rep. Billy Buckbee, and Monika Nugent at the Legislative Office Building on Dec. 13.