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HB 5301

AN ACT EXCLUDING SPOUSAL INCOME FROM CERTAIN RENT, FEE AND COST-SHARING CALCULATIONS RELATING TO HOME AND COMMUNITY-BASED SERVICES.

2026 Regular Session Introduced by Mitch Bolinsky and 5 co-sponsors

Connecticut bill would exclude spouse's income from determining Medicaid home care eligibility and cost-sharing, potentially expanding access for seniors and disabled individuals while increasing state spending.

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Bill Summary · HB 5301

Legislative bill overview

HB 5301 would exclude a spouse's income from calculations determining rent, fees, and cost-sharing requirements for individuals receiving home and community-based services (HCBS) in Connecticut. Currently, Medicaid and similar programs count combined household income; this bill would allow individuals to qualify for services based solely on their own income, regardless of their spouse's earnings.

Why is this important

This change directly affects eligibility and affordability for seniors and disabled individuals receiving in-home care, assisted living, or other community-based services. Many working spouses face difficult choices between maintaining employment and allowing their partner access to needed care; this bill could reduce financial barriers and keep people in their homes longer rather than requiring institutional care.

Potential points of contention

  • Cost to state budget: Excluding spousal income likely expands eligibility, potentially increasing Medicaid expenditures significantly, with unclear fiscal impact not yet analyzed in early legislative stage
  • Fairness questions: Some argue spouses should contribute to care costs proportional to their income, while supporters contend penalizing marriage creates perverse incentives against maintaining spousal relationships
  • Implementation complexity: Determining which services qualify, handling asset transfers to avoid spousal income attribution, and administering separate income tracking could create administrative burdens

Compiled from official sources — confirm details with the bill’s official record.

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