Sen. Lesser Celebrates Restoring Critical Healthcare Program in State Budget

HARTFORD – Today, State Senator Matt Lesser, Senate Chair of the Human Services Committee, celebrated news that Governor Lamont announced he has abandoned plans to move a critical Medicaid benefit to a waiver program.

Last week, the Appropriations Committee, of which Sen. Lesser serves as co-chair of the Human Services subcommittee, approved a mid-term budget adjustment that diverged from the Governor’s proposed adjustment plan in several ways. One key change was that the legislature rejected the Governor’s proposal to transition the Community First Choice (CFC) program from an entitlement to a waiver, thus reducing availability and leaving many residents on a waiting list without care.

Community First Choice allows those in need of care to receive self-directed care at home, covered by Medicaid.

“I, along with so many patients and advocates, am relieved to hear that the Governor took seriously our concerns and has moved away from his waiver proposal,” said Sen. Lesser. “Community First Choice allows those in need of care the agency they deserve to make decisions about their own healthcare while remaining in their homes. It’s an incredibly effective program that improves health outcomes and quality of life and is exactly the kind of program that we should be prioritizing in our state budget. If the Administration decides to move forward with changes to the program in the future, it needs to engage with consumers themselves to ensure a robust planning process that centers the needs of Connecticut residents with disabilities.”