AN ACT CONCERNING EQUITABLE PAYMENT RATES FOR DURABLE MEDICAL EQUIPMENT, SUPPLIES AND COMPLEX REHABILITATION TECHNOLOGY.

SB 162 requires Connecticut Medicaid to pay providers 100% of non-rural Medicare rates for durable medical equipment, orthotics, prosthetics, and complex rehabilitation technology. It mandates annual payment increases tied to the consumer price index for all urban consumers and adds a one-time 15.3% rate increase for items covered by Medicaid but not Medicare. For equipment without established Medicare rates, the bill sets payments at 90% of the manufacturer's suggested retail price or 45% above minimum invoice cost. This directly affects Medicaid providers and patients relying on these essential medical devices.