AN ACT CONCERNING THE DEPARTMENT OF SOCIAL SERVICES.

SB 1474 expands Medicaid and HUSKY B coverage for weight loss drugs and bariatric surgery to include individuals with severe obesity (BMI >40 or BMI >35 with related health conditions like diabetes or sleep apnea). It requires coverage for weight loss drugs when a beneficiary’s BMI drops below 35, provided a doctor certifies continued use is necessary to prevent BMI from rising above 35. The bill also adds a separate requirement for doctors prescribing opioids to Medicaid patients to complete training on nonopioid pain management alternatives. These changes directly affect Connecticut Medicaid and HUSKY B beneficiaries seeking obesity-related treatments.