Alabama 2024 Regular Session

Alabama House Bill HB494

Introduced
4/30/24  
Introduced
4/30/24  

Caption

Medicaid; permit presumptive eligibility for pregnancy care benefit before approval

Impact

If enacted, HB 494 will modify state Medicaid eligibility processes to allow pregnant women to receive immediate coverage for ambulatory prenatal care for a duration of up to 60 days while their applications are under review. The legislation is expected to ensure that more women can access essential prenatal services without delays, which can be critical for their health and that of their unborn children. By doing so, the bill could decrease maternal morbidity rates and improve overall health during pregnancy.

Summary

House Bill 494 aims to enhance the accessibility of prenatal care for pregnant women by allowing presumptive eligibility for Medicaid coverage prior to the formal approval of their application. This provision is designed to support women who can provide proof of pregnancy and household income information to qualified providers of ambulatory prenatal care. The bill notably aligns Alabama’s Medicaid plan with existing federal provisions, ensuring that women have access to necessary healthcare in a timely manner, ultimately improving maternal and child health outcomes in the state.

Contention

Some points of contention related to the bill may arise from concerns over the implications of presumptive eligibility on Medicaid funding and resource allocation. Critics may argue that expanding eligibility could strain existing state Medicaid resources, particularly in light of budgetary constraints. Additionally, there may be debates surrounding the adequacy of documentation requirements and the potential bureaucratic processes involved in verifying preliminary information, which some stakeholders might view as cumbersome.

Companion Bills

No companion bills found.

Previously Filed As

AL SB102

Medicaid; providing presumptive eligibility to pregnant women

AL HB89

Medicaid; providing presumptive eligibility to pregnant women

AL HB539

Medicaid; provide for presumptive eligibility for pregnant women.

AL SB2383

Medicaid; provide for presumptive eligibility for pregnant women.

AL HB1362

Medicaid; provide for presumptive eligibility for pregnant women.

AL SB2117

Medicaid; provide for presumptive eligibility for pregnant women.

AL SB2390

Medicaid; remove proof of income requirement from presumptive eligibility for pregnant women.

AL HB662

Medicaid; revise criteria for presumptive eligibility for pregnant women to conform to federal laws and regulations.

AL H1003

Medicaid Presumptive Eligibility For Pregnant Women

AL AB1481

Medi-Cal: presumptive eligibility.

Similar Bills

NJ S3495

Provides for presumptive eligibility for home and community-based services and services provided through program of all-inclusive care for the elderly under Medicaid.

NJ A4049

Provides for presumptive eligibility for home and community-based services and services provided through program of all-inclusive care for the elderly under Medicaid.

NJ S1961

Provides for presumptive eligibility for home and community-based services and services provided through program of all-inclusive care for the elderly under Medicaid.

MS HB539

Medicaid; provide for presumptive eligibility for pregnant women.

MS SB2383

Medicaid; provide for presumptive eligibility for pregnant women.

MS HB1565

Medicaid; seek federal waiver to provide for presumptive eligibility for persons who need mental health or substance use disorder services.

MS HB1362

Medicaid; provide for presumptive eligibility for pregnant women.

MS SB2117

Medicaid; provide for presumptive eligibility for pregnant women.