Eligible veterans can seek dental care through a state fund

The Soldiers, Sailors and Marines Fund pays participating providers for approved dental care. The program serves eligible Connecticut veterans through participating dental providers. Covered care includes checkups, fillings, dentures, and oral surgery; implants, bridges, orthodontics, cosmetic care, and telehealth are excluded. Applicants must live in Connecticut, have a service-connected disability rating below 100%, lack VA dental care, have household income at or below 400% of the federal poverty level, and meet the fund’s other aid rules. The administrator must approve or modify a treatment plan before care is provided. If a veteran has insurance for the care, the provider must bill the insurer first and may bill the fund only for the remaining balance. Payments are limited to $3,000 per veteran per calendar year, and total program costs may not exceed $1 million per fiscal year. Applications may be submitted starting January 1, 2027. An approval lasts two years, and the administrator must refer an approved veteran to a provider within 30 days.

The Veterans Affairs commissioner posts warnings and links on the department website about VA claims representatives and account security. The information is for veterans and others seeking help with claims handled by the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs. The website must warn about people who help prepare, present, or pursue VA claims without recognition from the U.S. Secretary of Veterans Affairs. It must link to tools for reporting unrecognized helpers, checking recognized helpers, and viewing discipline decisions. The site must also tell veterans not to share their VA or bank account login details. The commissioner must post the information starting July 1, 2026.

The Treasurer transfers $500,000 from the Military Relief Fund to an emergency response account administered by the Adjutant General. The account may pay costs of responding to a natural disaster, civil emergency, or another event requiring a state response. The account may cover response costs for the Military Department or other state personnel and resources when federal money is not immediately available. Each use requires the Governor’s approval after consulting the Commissioner of Emergency Services and Public Protection. The account takes effect July 1, 2026. The Treasurer must transfer the money for the fiscal year ending June 30, 2027.