DIGEST
The digest printed below was prepared by House Legislative Services. It constitutes no part of the
legislative instrument. The keyword, one-liner, abstract, and digest do not constitute part of the law
or proof or indicia of legislative intent. [R.S. 1:13(B) and 24:177(E)]
HB 517 Original 2015 Regular Session Edwards
Abstract: Constitutional amendment to provide for expansion of Medicaid eligibility in
conformance with minimum standards provided in the Patient Protection and Affordable
Care Act.
Proposed constitutional amendment requires expansion of La. Medicaid eligibility standards such
that they conform, at minimum, to the minimum standards provided in the Patient Protection and
Affordable Care Act (Pub. L. 111-148). Such expansion would provide Medicaid coverage for all
persons in La. with household income at or below 138% of the federal poverty level (an annual
household income at or below $33,465 for a family of four currently).
Proposed constitutional amendment authorizes the secretary of the Dept. of Health and Hospitals to
do all of the following:
(1)Operate the expanded segment of the Medicaid program either as a program administered
directly by the department, or through a program that allows newly eligible beneficiaries to
purchase private insurance.
(2)Fix income eligibility standards for the Medicaid program at levels greater than the minimum
levels provided in federal law if specifically authorized by law to do so.
Provides for submission of the proposed amendment to the voters at the statewide election to be held
Oct. 24, 2015.
(Adds Const. Art. XII, ยง8.2)