FINAL BILL REPORT
SHB 1199
This analysis was prepared by non-partisan legislative staff for the use of legislative members in their deliberations. This analysis is not a part of the legislation nor does it constitute a statement of legislative intent. |
C 70 L 19
Synopsis as Enacted
Brief Description: Concerning health care for working individuals with disabilities.
Sponsors: House Committee on Appropriations (originally sponsored by Representatives Cody, DeBolt, Jinkins, Harris, Tharinger, Caldier, Robinson, Macri, Schmick, Stonier, Slatter, Wylie, Tarleton, Frame, Pollet and Riccelli).
House Committee on Health Care & Wellness
House Committee on Appropriations
Senate Committee on Health & Long Term Care
Senate Committee on Ways & Means
Background:
A person may qualify for federal Social Security benefits if the person has a disability that does not allow the person to engage in any substantial gainful activity because of a medically-determinable physical or mental impairment that is expected to result in death or that has lasted or is expected to last for a continuous period of at least 12 months. The program includes several types of employment supports that are intended to help a person find a job, protect cash and medical benefits while the person works, and save for education. One of these supports is the federal Ticket to Work program. One element of the Ticket to Work program allows a person returning to work to purchase Medicaid coverage.
Washington has implemented the Medicaid purchase element of the Ticket to Work program through the Health Care for Workers with Disabilities (HWD) program. To qualify for the HWD program, a person must be age 16 through 64, meet federal disability standards, have a net income at or below 220 percent of the federal poverty level, and be employed either full- or part-time. Enrollees in the HWD program must pay a premium based on a sliding scale that is not to exceed 7.5 percent of the enrollee's income.
Summary:
The Health Care Authority (Authority) may not establish eligibility restrictions for the Health Care for Workers with Disabilities (HWD) program based on a person's income or maximum age. Information about a person's income may only be used to establish cost sharing requirements.
The Authority must seek federal approval to exclude resources earned during a person's enrollment in the HWD program from being counted as resources when the person is establishing eligibility for another Medical Assistance program.
Votes on Final Passage:
House | 97 | 0 | |
Senate | 46 | 0 |
Effective: | January 1, 2020 |