Iowa Senate Bill SSB3183

Iowa 2023-2024 Regular Session

• Introduced: 2/20/24
• Refer: 2/20/24

Caption

A bill for an act relating to the maximum amount of available resources disregarded under the Medicaid for employed people with disabilities program.

Impact

The immediate impact of SSB3183 is expected to enhance the financial viability for working individuals with disabilities, allowing them to retain more assets without jeopardizing their eligibility for Medicaid. By increasing the disregarded resources for couples, the bill aims to support dual-income households in navigating their medical expenses while maintaining their economic standing. Such adjustments seek to promote self-sufficiency among individuals with disabilities, encouraging them to participate in the workforce without the fear of losing their healthcare support.

Summary

Senate Study Bill 3183 aims to amend the criteria for the Medicaid for Employed People with Disabilities (MEPD) program, specifically focusing on the maximum amount of resources that can be disregarded when determining eligibility for assistance. The bill proposes to maintain a maximum of $10,000 in available resources for individual applicants while introducing a higher threshold of $21,000 for couples. This change is designed to better accommodate the financial situations of individuals and couples living with disabilities who are employed and seeking to benefit from Medicaid assistance.

Contention

Despite the positive intent behind SSB3183, discussions surrounding the bill may raise questions regarding the state's budgetary capacity to support these changes, as the increased resource limits could potentially lead to a larger number of beneficiaries seeking Medicaid assistance. Critics might argue that this could strain the resources allocated for the Medicaid program, necessitating careful consideration of the fiscal implications. Legislative debates are likely to address whether the changes strike an appropriate balance between supporting individuals with disabilities and maintaining the sustainability of the state's healthcare funding.