A bill for an act relating to the work without worry program for employed individuals with disabilities under the Medicaid program.
Impact
The bill mandates the Department of Health and Human Services to submit requests to the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services to establish this program. It allows individuals to have income from employment while not imposing stringent resource or asset tests, thus broadening access to medical services. Significantly, individuals assisting in the workforce would not be merely limited by their income amount or hours but can continue their Medicaid coverage for six months post-employment loss, facilitating job re-entry.
Summary
Senate File 368, known as the 'Work Without Worry' program, proposes Medicaid coverage for employed individuals with disabilities aged 16 and older. The aim of the bill is to provide a structured support system that ensures this demographic can engage in work without jeopardizing their healthcare coverage. Under this program, individuals with qualifying disabilities can access Medicaid services with criteria designed to facilitate their employment journey while maintaining necessary support.
Contention
One notable point of contention surrounding SF368 is its potential impact on individuals' eligibility for existing programs. The program's implementation could result in changes to how current disability candidates may receive coverage, especially concerning work requirements and the removal of asset tests for certain items. Furthermore, there may be debate among stakeholders about the adequacy of outreach efforts to ensure that the intended beneficiaries are informed about their options within this new framework.
Related
A bill for an act relating to the work without worry program for employed individuals with disabilities under the Medicaid program.(See HF 403, HF 2589.)
Similar To
A bill for an act relating to the work without worry program for employed individuals with disabilities under the Medicaid program.(Formerly HSB 198; See HF 2589.)
Similar To
A bill for an act relating to Medicaid-related programs and services including the work without worry program for employed individuals with disabilities and complex rehabilitation technology.(Formerly HF 403, HSB 198.)