SB 327, An Act Expanding Emergency Medicaid Coverage

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

Tuesday, March 3, 2026

The Connecticut Hospital Association (CHA) appreciates this opportunity to submit testimony concerning SB 327, An Act Expanding Emergency Medicaid Coverage.  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 327 appropriately clarifies and expands emergency Medicaid coverage, consistent with federal law, to ensure that serious medical and behavioral health conditions qualify for reimbursement when the absence of treatment would place a patient’s health in serious jeopardy.  By explicitly recognizing conditions such as high-risk pregnancy, dialysis-dependent renal failure, diabetic emergencies, cancer treatment, and acute inpatient or outpatient psychiatric treatment, the bill provides needed clarity and ensures that medically necessary care delivered in emergency and outpatient settings can be covered.

Emergency Medicaid plays an essential role in supporting patient access to critical services while allowing hospitals to receive federal reimbursement for care that would otherwise be uncompensated.

SB 327 reflects a thoughtful and targeted effort to align state policy with federal flexibility, improve continuity of care, and strengthen the healthcare safety net.  For these reasons, CHA respectfully urges passage of SB 327.

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