HI HB1236

Establishes a two-year working disabled adults pilot program within the Department of Human Services, effective July 1, 2015, to expire June 30, 2017, creating a new Medicaid eligibility group for workers with disabilities aged 19-64.

Pilot program disregards earned income of at least $1,000 per month and maintains asset limits at or above the Medicaid aged, blind, and disabled group limits for eligible participants who are residents, meet citizenship requirements, and have Social Security Administration-recognized disabilities.

Creates a permanent Medicaid buy-in program for workers with disabilities, effective July 1, 2017, for individuals aged 18+ with disabilities, gainfully employed, with income not exceeding 300% of federal poverty level and assets not exceeding a department-determined amount (minimum $25,000).

Medicaid buy-in program shall have a minimum enrollment limit of 200 individuals and may allow the department to charge premiums or cost-sharing charges as determined by department rules.

Appropriates funds for fiscal years 2015-2016 and 2016-2017 for the pilot program and requires the Department of Human Services to report to the legislature by January 2017 on pilot program results and recommendations for implementing the permanent buy-in program.