SB 500, An Act Concerning A State-Funded Caregiver Program To Assist Parents Of Children With Autism Spectrum Disorder

TESTIMONY OF THE CONNECTICUT HOSPITAL ASSOCIATION
SUBMITTED TO THE HUMAN SERVICES COMMITTEE

Tuesday, March 17, 2026

The Connecticut Hospital Association (CHA) appreciates this opportunity to submit testimony concerning SB 500, An Act Concerning A State-Funded Caregiver Program To Assist Parents Of Children With Autism Spectrum Disorder.  CHA supports the bill.

Connecticut hospitals make our state stronger by delivering nationally recognized, world-class care, supporting jobs and economic growth, and serving communities across Connecticut.  Every day, hospitals improve access, affordability, and health equity — providing care to all patients regardless of ability to pay.  At the same time, hospitals invest in their workforce and local communities, even as they navigate significant financial and federal challenges.

SB 500 establishes a caregiver respite program to assist parents of children enrolled in the Medicaid Home and Community-Based Services waiver program.

Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) affects approximately 1 in 31 children nationwide, and Connecticut has seen similar increases in identification among school-aged youth.  Families caring for children with ASD often struggle to access respite care and behavioral support in the community.  When those services are unavailable during periods of crisis, parents may have no alternative but to seek help in hospital emergency departments.

Children and adolescents on the spectrum, particularly those who cannot access appropriate school-based or community services, are more likely to experience prolonged emergency department stays due to the lack of appropriate discharge options and community support.  Emergency departments are not designed to provide the specialized behavioral and developmental care many of these children require.  As a result, these visits can be distressing for families while also contributing to capacity pressures within already crowded emergency departments.

Ensuring families have access to the right level of services, including supportive respite, helps stabilize families before a crisis occurs.  Strengthening this continuum of care allows hospitals to focus their care and resources on the most critically ill patients while helping families remain supported and able to thrive in their communities.

Thank you for your consideration of our position.  For additional information, contact CHA Government Relations at (203) 294-7301.