2023 -- S 0256
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LC000932
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S TATE OF RHODE IS LAND
IN GENERAL ASSEMBLY
JANUARY SESSION, A.D. 2023
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A N A C T
RELATING TO HUMAN SE RVICES -- HEALTH CARE FOR ELDERLY AND DISABLED
RESIDENTS ACT
Introduced By: Senators Gu, Valverde, Sosnowski, Miller, DiPalma, Lawson, DiMario,
and Burke
Date Introduced: February 16, 2023
Referred To: Senate Finance
It is enacted by the General Assembly as follows:
SECTION 1. Section 40-8.5-1 of the General Laws in Chapter 40-8.5 entitled "Health Care 1
for Elderly and Disabled Residents Act" is hereby amended to read as follows: 2
40-8.5-1. Categorically needy medical assistance coverage. 3
The department of human services is hereby authorized and directed to amend its Title XIX 4
state plan to provide for categorically needy medical assistance coverage as permitted pursuant to 5
Title XIX of the Social Security Act, 42 U.S.C. § 1396 et seq., as amended, to individuals who are 6
sixty-five (65) years or older or are disabled, as determined under § 1614(a)(3) of the Social 7
Security Act, 42 U.S.C. § 1382c(a)(3), as amended, whose income does not exceed one hundred 8
percent (100%) one hundred thirty-eight percent (138%) of the federal poverty level (as revised 9
annually) applicable to the individual's family size, and whose resources do not exceed four 10
thousand dollars ($4,000) per individual, or six thousand dollars ($6,000) per couple. The 11
department shall provide medical assistance coverage to such elderly or disabled persons in the 12
same amount, duration, and scope as provided to other categorically needy persons under the state's 13
Title XIX state plan. 14
SECTION 2. This act shall take effect upon passage. 15
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LC000932
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LC000932 - Page 2 of 2
EXPLANATION
BY THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL
OF
A N A C T
RELATING TO HUMAN SE RVICES -- HEALTH CARE FOR ELDERLY AND DISABLED
RESIDENTS ACT
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This act would increase the income eligibility limit for medical assistance coverage for 1
seniors and disabled individuals from one hundred percent (100%) to one hundred thirty-eight 2
percent (138%) of the federal poverty level. 3
This act would take effect upon passage. 4
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LC000932
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