Buckbee, Human Services Committee Votes to Allow Family Members to be Compensated as Caregivers

Photo: State Rep. Jay Case, State Sen. Lisa Seminara, State Rep. Bill Buckbee, and New Milford resident Monika Nugent are pictured at the Legislative Office Building following Wednesday’s waiver vote.

HARTFORD – On Wednesday, December 13, the Appropriations and Human Services Committee 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). A policy, according to State Rep. Billy Buckbee, that will immediately help families in New Milford.

“We successfully passed Public Act 23-137 during the legislative session, a new law that received overwhelming support from both sides of the aisle. Today, we have gotten over the second hurdle, which is to implement the letter of the law that the legislature put forth earlier in the year. I’m pleased to report that with today’s positive committee action, families will have greater ability to take care of their loved ones,” said Rep. Buckbee, who has worked with several families struggling to find adequate caregiver services. “I’d also like to recognize and thank Monika Nugent for her steadfast approach in helping get this policy moved forward. There is no better substitute than a family member when it comes to providing care, her advocacy is a testament to that.”

During today’s meeting, DDS Commissioner Jordan Scheff explained that the new law goes a long way in enhancing the number of those in the workforce who are able to act as caregivers.

“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. Case, who serves as Ranking Member to the Human Services Committee.

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.

“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.”

 “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). “I am pleased with the progress we are making on finding solutions that address the needs of this vulnerable community.”

 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.

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