WA SB5128

Medical assistance benefits must be suspended rather than terminated for persons confined in correctional facilities, juvenile detention facilities operated by the Department of Children, Youth, and Families, or state hospitals, and applications may be submitted during confinement without knowing the release date.

During the first 29 days of incarceration or confinement in a juvenile facility, a person's medical assistance enrollment cannot be affected by their confinement status; after 29 days, coverage moves to suspension status.

The Health Care Authority must collaborate with managed care organizations, the Department of Children, Youth, and Families, and detention facilities to implement federal requirements for screening, diagnostic services, and targeted case management for eligible juveniles 30 days before and after release.

The Health Care Authority must submit a report to the governor and legislature by December 1, 2025, on the operational plan status and collaboration efforts, including barriers to providing services to eligible juveniles statewide.

The act takes effect July 27, 2025, with certain implementation and reporting sections expiring July 1, 2026.