Minnesota House Bill HF4158

Minnesota 2023-2024 Regular Session

• Introduced: 2/22/24
• Refer: 2/22/24
• Refer: 3/18/24

Caption

Medical assistance modified for employed persons with disabilities.

Impact

If enacted, HF4158 would significantly affect statutes related to medical assistance for the disabled, particularly benefiting employed persons who may fear losing their medical coverage due to minor increases in their earnings. The bill allows individuals to maintain their medical assistance for up to four months after losing employment under specific conditions, ensuring that they have continued access to healthcare services during transitions out of work. This change aims to promote better employment outcomes for individuals with disabilities by alleviating the fear of losing critical health benefits.

Summary

House File 4158 proposes modifications to medical assistance provisions for employed individuals with disabilities in the state of Minnesota. The bill seeks to ensure that individuals who, despite earning income, meet the disability criteria of the Supplemental Security Income program can still receive necessary medical assistance. The modifications include the introduction of an earned income disregard of $65, allowing individuals to retain some income without losing eligibility. It outlines how premiums will be calculated based on income and includes mechanisms for adjustments in premium rates and changes in eligibility due to variations in employment status.

Contention

Notable aspects of contention surrounding HF4158 include the financial implications of maintaining eligibility for medical assistance for employed individuals with disabilities. Supporters argue that the bill will encourage workforce participation among disabled individuals by providing a safety net that does not penalize them for earning income. Conversely, detractors may express concerns about potential impacts on state budgets due to increased medical assistance obligations and whether sufficient safeguards exist to prevent abuse of the system. Furthermore, discussions on how this bill intertwines with broader healthcare reforms may arise as stakeholders assess its potential to create equivalences across disability support services.