Connecticut’s Budget Bill 7287: Key Updates for People Living with Epilepsy in CT

By James Hart

Executive Director – Epilepsy Foundation of CT

Connecticut’s new biennial budget (House Bill 7287) brings a wave of improvements that will directly benefit families, caregivers, and individuals in the epilepsy community. This budget, covering fiscal years 2026 and 2027, isn’t just about dollars – it’s about ensuring better healthcare access, more affordable medications, stronger disability services, reliable transportation, quality education, and stable housing. Below, we break down the most important points of the budget in these areas and what they mean for our community.

Healthcare Access

Connecticut’s budget makes important strides in expanding and protecting healthcare access. Medicaid (HUSKY Health) funding is increased, including a boost in the rates paid to doctors and providers who treat Medicaid patients. This means it should be a bit easier for low-income adults and children – including those with epilepsy who rely on Medicaid – to find physicians and specialists willing to accept their insurance. By raising reimbursement rates (the first significant increase in over 15 years), the state aims to encourage more healthcare providers to serve patients on HUSKY, improving access to care.

Importantly, the budget preserves coverage for critical treatments. For example, coverage of certain weight-loss medications under Medicaid will continue for those who have medical needs like Type 2 diabetes or other related conditions. (These medications, known as GLP-1 drugs, have been life-changing for some individuals’ health.) The state will curb coverage only when such drugs are prescribed solely for obesity without other health issues. This approach balances controlling skyrocketing costs while still ensuring people with co-morbid health conditions get the medications they need.

The budget also sustains healthcare programs for vulnerable groups. Legislators protected funding for HUSKY coverage for income-eligible children and pregnant women regardless of immigration status, despite debates. In addition, Connecticut is expanding Emergency Medicaid coverage for urgent medical conditions. This means that emergencies – such as severe complications from chronic conditions (including epilepsy-related emergencies), high-risk pregnancies, diabetic or hypertensive crises, labor and delivery, etc. – will be covered for those who might otherwise be uninsured. Overall, these measures help ensure that everyone in our community can get care in critical moments, and they reflect Connecticut’s commitment to being an “open and fair state for everybody” when it comes to healthcare.

Prescription Drug Affordability

For those struggling with the high cost of medications, the budget delivers some welcome relief. House Bill 7287 includes new provisions to rein in prescription drug prices, especially for generic and off-patent drugs that many people rely on. Going forward, pharmaceutical manufacturers will be penalized if they raise prices on these medications faster than the rate of inflation. By capping unjustified price hikes on commonly used drugs, the state aims to stop sudden, extreme cost increases that can make it hard for patients to afford their refills.

Connecticut is also taking bold steps to lower drug costs through smarter buying and broader access to discounts. The budget authorizes the state to explore importing safe, lower-cost prescription drugs from Canada – an innovative approach that, if approved federally, could offer significant savings on expensive medications. In addition, Connecticut will expand its bulk purchasing programs and consider international reference pricing (using price benchmarks like those negotiated at the federal level) to negotiate better deals for state-funded drug programs. These efforts build on recent measures like the ArrayRx discount program (which allows residents to buy prescription drugs at a bulk-negotiated discount) and the existing $25 cap on insulin co-pays, further improving affordability.

All of this is good news for individuals with epilepsy who depend on daily medications to prevent seizures. Anti-epileptic drugs and other prescriptions should become easier to afford as the state presses for transparency, fairness, and discounts in the pharmaceutical supply chain. Pharmacy Benefit Managers (PBMs) – the middlemen in drug pricing – are now required to act in the best interest of patients’ health plans, and new rules prohibit PBMs from profiteering at the expense of consumers and local pharmacies. In short, Connecticut’s budget takes a stand: life-saving medications should be reasonably priced and accessible to those who need them.

Disability Services

The budget makes significant investments to strengthen services for individuals with disabilities – a vital area for many in the epilepsy community. After years of underfunding, community-based disability and mental health providers will receive substantial funding increases to improve care and support. While the first year of the biennium holds funding flat, in the second year (FY 2027) the budget adds $76 million in general support for all community providers, plus an extra $30 million specifically for providers serving people with mental health and substance use needs. These funds will help nonprofit agencies that run group homes, day programs, behavioral health clinics, and other services to keep up with rising costs and better serve clients.

One major focus is addressing the workforce crisis in caregiving. The budget dedicates tens of millions of dollars toward raising wages for direct care workers who support individuals with developmental disabilities in group homes and other settings. Caregivers at residential facilities for people with intellectual and developmental disabilities (many of whom have conditions like severe epilepsy) will see wage increases. This is not only well-deserved for these frontline workers, but it also means better staffing and reduced turnover – ultimately ensuring more stable, quality care for our loved ones with disabilities. The funding boost came after strong advocacy (including averting a strike of group home workers) and demonstrates the state’s recognition that caring for our most vulnerable citizens is a priority.

Beyond provider funding, the budget also looks to improve quality of life and independence for people with disabilities. In a creative move, the state will launch a supportive housing initiative for adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities. This includes a one-time transfer of $10 million to create supportive housing options specifically for those individuals. What does that mean? More adults with disabilities will have the opportunity to live in their own apartments or homes in the community – with access to the supportive services they need – rather than in institutions or far from family. For families and caregivers, this is a hopeful step toward inclusive communities where people with disabilities can thrive with appropriate supports.

Overall, these investments in disability services signal progress: better-funded programs, higher-paid and more reliable caregivers, and innovative housing supports. These changes will directly improve daily life for individuals with epilepsy and co-occurring disabilities, and for the broader disability community.

Transportation

Access to reliable transportation is critical for people with medical needs, and the new budget takes steps to bolster Connecticut’s transit systems. Public transportation is getting a funding boost. The state is increasing support for bus transit to maintain and expand routes that many residents rely on to get to work, school, and doctor’s appointments. In fact, Governor Lamont’s budget included over $17 million specifically to expand bus service, create new bus route hubs, and improve transit options across Connecticut. This is especially beneficial for those in our community who cannot drive due to seizures or other health conditions – a robust bus network can be a lifeline for independence.

Connecticut will continue initiatives that support “transportation equity”, including the expanded bus services that help workers reach employment opportunities. The budget does anticipate modest fare increases for buses and trains down the line – fares have been unchanged for many years – but these will be balanced by the investments in service improvements. In short, riders might pay a little more, but they should also see better service reliability and coverage.

While the Encompass Program, which was a federally funded transportation program serving individuals in the greater Hartford area, was not able to secure state-based funding, we do hope that other measure will help address the growing need for transportation options.

Rail commuters will also see attention: additional funding is allocated for rail services, including the Shore Line East commuter rail. This infusion aims to prevent cuts and potentially enhance the frequency of trains on routes that serve coastal Connecticut. For people with epilepsy, reliable trains and buses mean easier access to specialists at urban medical centers or the ability to travel without needing to drive. It’s worth noting that public transit vehicles in Connecticut are increasingly equipped with safety measures and staff training to assist passengers with medical emergencies – an added comfort for those with conditions like epilepsy.

Taken together, Connecticut’s transportation investments strive to ensure that lack of a ride is not a barrier to healthcare or full participation in community life. Improved transit infrastructure and services will help keep our community connected.

Education

The budget bill delivers historic investments in education, spanning early childhood through K-12 – a huge win for families and children, including those affected by epilepsy. For public schools, the state is significantly increasing its Education Cost Sharing (ECS) grants, which are the main funding for local school districts. No school district will see a cut in state aid next year; instead, many will get more. In fact, the budget adds roughly $90 million in K-12 school funding for the upcoming year, accelerating the timetable to fully fund the state’s education formula. This means more resources for classrooms, teachers, and support services across Connecticut, even in towns that were originally slated for funding decreases.

A big focus is on special education support. This year, legislators recognized the strain on special education budgets (for example, the costs of out-of-district placements or specialized services were soaring). In response, they not only continued an emergency $40 million increase to special education funding that was provided this winter, but they are adding another $30 million each year for the next two years. This is a major infusion of funds to help schools better serve students with disabilities. For families of children with epilepsy – who may require Individualized Education Programs (IEPs), classroom aides, or other accommodations – this extra funding is reassuring. Schools will have more capacity to provide the therapies, one-on-one support, and specialized staff that students with medical or learning needs require to succeed academically.

Connecticut is also looking at improving special education quality and inclusivity. A new High-Quality Special Education Incentive Program will support districts in developing strong in-district programs so that fewer students have to be sent far from home for appropriate services. This goes hand-in-hand with funds earmarked to address student needs right in their own community schools.

Beyond K-12, the budget (along with companion legislation) makes transformative changes in early childhood education. An early childhood education initiative will invest $300 million from surplus funds to expand affordable preschool and daycare slots over the next five years. The goal is to create thousands of new child care openings and even provide free or low-cost preschool for many families (with no-cost child care for families earning under $100,000, and capped costs on a sliding scale for others). Child care providers will receive subsidies to pay their staff closer to public school teacher salaries, which should improve quality and reduce teacher turnover. For parents of young kids – including parents of children with epilepsy who might need specialized early intervention services – this is a game changer. Easier access to early education means kids get a strong start, and parents have more support balancing medical needs and work.

And while not directly part of the budget bill, it’s worth noting Connecticut’s commitment to safe and supportive schools for children with health conditions. Last year, the state enacted a Seizure Safe Schools law requiring school personnel to be trained in seizure first aid and allowing students to have a seizure action plan and emergency medications like rescue therapies. With increased education funding, schools are better positioned to implement such health and safety mandates effectively. Every child deserves a safe learning environment; for those with epilepsy, knowing that teachers and nurses are prepared and that resources are available provides peace of mind.

In summary, the budget’s education investments mean more opportunities, more support services, and a more inclusive education system for all children. Whether it’s additional paraprofessionals in a special-ed classroom, updated curricula, or expanded pre-K programs, Connecticut’s students and families stand to benefit for years to come.

Housing

Stable housing is foundational to health and quality of life, and Connecticut’s new budget and related initiatives take steps to make housing more affordable and secure. For many families dealing with the high costs of medical care, housing affordability is a huge concern – so these measures will directly help our community.

First, the budget allocates funding for new Rental Assistance Program (RAP) vouchers and other housing assistance. These vouchers help low-income individuals and families (including those with disabilities or chronic illnesses) afford private rental apartments by subsidizing a portion of the rent. By increasing the number of vouchers, Connecticut is working to reduce waitlists and move more people out of unstable housing or shelters and into permanent homes. Additionally, the state is bolstering eviction prevention efforts – dedicating funds to help renters on the brink of eviction (through emergency rental assistance, mediation programs, and legal aid). Preventing evictions keeps families housed and avoids the trauma and health risks associated with homelessness or frequent moves. This is especially critical for people with medical conditions for whom homelessness could mean interrupted care or worsened health.

Another aspect is incentivizing the creation of affordable housing, especially in areas near transportation and job centers. A separate housing reform bill (passed alongside the budget) provides incentives for Transit-Oriented Development (TOD) – encouraging cities and towns to plan for new housing (including affordable units) near train stations and bus lines. For the epilepsy community, TOD can be highly beneficial: it means more chances to live in neighborhoods where you might not need to drive, with easy access to public transit, stores, healthcare facilities, and community services. Vibrant, walkable neighborhoods with mixed-income housing make it easier for people who cannot drive (due to seizures or other reasons) to lead independent lives. The budget supports this vision by making grants or matching funds available to towns that expand housing options near transit.

Moreover, as noted in the disability section, a unique housing initiative will channel funds into supportive housing for adults with intellectual or developmental disabilities. Supportive housing combines affordable housing with on-site or on-call support staff and services (like case managers or visiting nurses). By transferring $10 million for this purpose, Connecticut acknowledges that many people with disabilities – including those who may experience uncontrolled seizures – can live successfully in the community if they have stable housing and a bit of support. We anticipate new housing units or conversions that will give some individuals the chance to move out of institutional settings or family homes into their own place, with appropriate help close by. This not only increases independence and dignity, it can also relieve caregiving burdens on families.

Lastly, the state’s bonding package (the part of the budget that handles capital investments) significantly funds housing programs. It includes money to expand the Affordable Housing Trust Fund and other development programs to finance the building or rehabilitation of affordable apartments and homes. Over time, this should increase the overall housing supply and relieve some of the cost pressure in Connecticut’s housing market.

What does this mean for our community? More families will be able to find and maintain safe homes they can afford. Parents won’t have to choose between paying for anti-seizure medication or paying rent. Individuals living on fixed disability income will have a better shot at getting housing assistance or an apartment in a new affordable development. Stable housing reduces stress, supports consistent medical treatment (having a fixed address is important for getting services), and improves health outcomes – all of which are extremely valuable for people managing epilepsy or any chronic health condition.

Connecticut’s Budget Bill 7287 is a comprehensive plan that, despite tight fiscal constraints, makes strategic investments in our health, well-being, and future. For those of us in the epilepsy community, these changes mean greater peace of mind: knowing that healthcare will be a bit easier to access, prescriptions a bit more affordable, support services better funded, and essential needs like transport, education, and housing are being addressed. There is always more work to be done, but this budget marks meaningful progress toward a more inclusive and supportive Connecticut for individuals with epilepsy and their families.

Sources:

Keith M. Phaneuf, CT Mirror (June 3, 2025). “CT budget: House OKs $55.8B spending plan investing in children.” (Overview of the biennial budget’s provisions on healthcare, education, etc., and its passage in the General Assembly.)
Michael Humes, AARP Connecticut (June 17, 2025). “2025 State Legislative Session Addresses Many of AARP Connecticut’s Priorities.” (Summary of key budget-related laws, including prescription drug reforms like the cap on generic drug price increases and plans for drug importation, as well as housing initiatives.)
United Way of Coastal & Western Connecticut – ALICE Advocate Newsletter (June 3, 2025). (“After flat-funding nonprofit community providers in the first year, the budget boosts funding in the second year… $76 million for providers and $30 million for non-developmental disability providers.”) (Details on funding increases for community non-profit service providers and indexing of future increases to inflation.)
Connecticut Senate Democrats Press Release (March 14, 2025). “Senate Priority Bill Tackling Prescription Drug Costs Advances.” (Background on the legislative proposals that informed the budget’s drug affordability measures, such as PBM reforms, Canadian importation, emergency Medicaid expansion for certain conditions, and capping insulin costs.)
NASBO (National Association of State Budget Officers) – Summary of Connecticut FY 2026–2027 Budget Proposal. (“Health and Wellness: proposes limiting price increases for generic drugs to inflation… removing Medicaid coverage of weight-loss medications for obesity only… Transportation: increases funding for bus service and rail, with fare adjustments… Housing: supports new rental assistance vouchers and eviction prevention.”) (Provided context on the Governor’s budget priorities adopted in the final budget.)
Connecticut Public / WSHU News (June 2025). “House and Senate approve state budget investing in health care, child care, and tax relief.” (Reported highlights such as Medicaid rate increases, special education funding, $250 tax credit for working poor families with dependents, and the debate on fiscal guardrails.)
Connecticut Hospital Association Daily News Clips (June 2025). *(Legislative wrap-up quotes: “increases Medicaid, provides more money for federally qualified health centers, group homes, and nursing homes… funding urgent crisis centers, children’s mental health care, special education…”) * (Insights from legislative leaders on health and social service funding in the budget, and the perspective of hospital officials on the hospital tax changes.)