Connecticut Drops Plan to Change Disability Care Program

0:00Connecticut Governor Ned Lamont's team is dropping a plan to change the community first choice program, a key Medicaid service for folks with disabilities. Since 2015, this program lets eligible people self-direct their home care without waitlists, keeping them out of nursing homes. The proposal wanted to switch it to a waiver system, which could calf spots and spike costs elsewhere. Advocates pushed back hard, saying it threatened independence and ignored cheaper home-based options over institutions. Small makers on the appropriations committee killed it, citing no solid backup plan from the state. Rising program costs sparked the idea, but experts note enrollment growth is natural, and it saves taxpayer money long-term by avoiding pricier facilities. After a productive sit-down with disability group ADAPT, the administration confirmed those February changes won't hit the final budget. Negotiations wrap up soon, locking in the program's future for good. From your city, powered by AI, this is Hartford News Today, I'm Corey with The Story.