HI SCR45

Urges the Department of Human Services to adopt rules disregarding Title II Social Security Act benefits when determining Medicaid eligibility for disabled adult child (DAC) beneficiaries.

Addresses the problem that DAC benefits (Social Security disability income for individuals disabled before age 22) can push total income above Medicaid income thresholds, forcing beneficiaries to spend down income to $469 per month to retain Medicaid coverage.

Notes that federal law permits Hawaii and 10 other states the option to disregard DAC benefits to prevent loss of Medicaid eligibility, but the Department has not implemented this disregard for DAC recipients despite implementing it for other qualifying groups.

Highlights that the $469 monthly "medically needy" standard is grossly inadequate for living expenses including shelter, meals, and daily necessities for individuals with disabilities.

Requests certified copies be transmitted to the Director of Human Services and the Hawaii State Council on Developmental Disabilities.