*SNAP Recipients: Starting in January 2023, DSS will be texting renewal reminders to recipients who need to submit their renewal forms. Texts will come from the DSS Benefits Center phone number (855-626-6632). Texts will be strictly informational. They will NOT ask for identifying or personal information. Click here for more information.

*Don’t miss important news about your benefits: Update your contact info online now! Visit Update Us (ct.gov)

*24/7 access to DSS: Already a DSS client? Use the MyDSS mobile-friendly app: www.ct.gov/mydss. Apply & renew services at www.connect.ct.gov, plus get benefit status, notices, report changes, upload/send documents & more!

Residential Care Homes (RCH)

Overview

The Department hosted a series of three mandatory in-person training sessions for all RCHs. Training sessions included important information on the CMS final settings rule which goes into effect on March 17, 2023. In-person sessions were an opportunity for RCH's to develop:
  • Collaborative Learning and Peer Supports – At the meeting, RCH's are encouraged to develop collaborative peer relationships with one another to learn best practices.
  • Meet state agency staff and learn about available state agency resources.
  • Understand the coming changes to the RCH industry and how state agencies are available to assist.

Session 1: 01/17/2023 Presentation Governor’s Budget, CHOWs & Monthly census, Medication Administration

Session 2: 02/16/2023 Presentation Settings Rule, DMHAS Mental Health Waiver, DPH Licensing, Cost Reporting

Session 3: 03/14/2023 Presentation CMS Settings Rule Compliance, DDS Waiver Overview, HCBS Rule and Residency Agreements

General Information

Residential Care Homes (RCH) rates are set in accordance with Section 17b-340 (h) CGS and Section 17-311-52 of the Regulations of Connecticut State Agencies. The Department of Social Services (DSS) utilizes the long-term care cost reports (LTC) for privately operated RCH rate setting purposes. The annual rate period is July 1 through June 30, unless modified by the legislature. There are 98 RCH facilities with a total capacity of approximately 2,710 licensed beds that provide services to approximately 2,100 AABD eligible residents. The average rate is approximately $97.00 per day and rates range from a minimum of $35.54 to $44.14 per day. In SFY 2019, AABD program expenditures for RCH services were approximately $75 million. If a facility does not file a cost report, it receives the minimum rate per Sec. 17-311-54 state regulations, and may not receive a retroactive rate increases. Please read the notice for additional information.

Effective January 1, 2023 the rated housing disregard, used by the Department of Social Services to calculate benefits for the State Supplement program will increase from $316.70 to $389.70. Effective January 1, 2023 each recipient of assistance from the State Supplement program is entitled to keep up to the $389.70 disregard, in addition to the personal needs allowance of $31.79 for a total up to $421.49. Notice of Increase

Effective July 1, 2022, the rated housing personal needs allowance, used by the Department of Social Services when calculating benefits for the State Supplement program, will increase from $30.36 to $31.79. Notice of Increase

Effective July 1, 2022, the New Horizons personal needs allowance, used by the Department of Social Services when calculating benefits for the State Supplement program, will increase from $137.03 to $143.47. Notice of Increase

Residential Care Home Annual Rate Letters
Residential Care Homes (RCH) rates are set in accordance with Section 17b-340 (h) CGS and Section 17-311-52 of the Regulations of Connecticut State Agencies. The Department of Social Services (DSS) utilizes the long-term care cost reports (LTC) for privately operated RCH rate setting purposes. You may find the annual rate letters issued to Residential Care Homes below.

Annual RCH Rate Letters Effective 7/1/2020 - 6/30/2021
Annual RCH Rate Letters Effective 7/1/2021 - 6/30/2022
Annual RCH Rate Letters Effective 7/1/2022 - 6/30/2023

Additional Information

State Agency Contacts and Resources for RCH residents and facility owners