| Washington State House of Representatives Office of Program Research |
BILL ANALYSIS |
| Health Care & Wellness Committee | |
SSB 6583
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.
Brief Description: Changing provisions relating to eligibility for medical assistance.
Sponsors: Senate Committee on Ways & Means (originally sponsored by Senators Brandland and Hargrove).
Brief Summary of Substitute Bill |
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Hearing Date: 2/21/08
Staff: Dave Knutson (786-7146).
Background:
In the State of Washington, an individual may qualify for Medicaid coverage under the
"categorically needy" (CN) program if the individual is disabled, blind, or over age 65, and
meets income limitations. The Department of Social and Health Services (DSHS) has set the
income limitation for the CN program at $637 per month for one person, or $956 per month for
two persons. A person who is disabled, blind, or over age 65, and who has an income greater
than $637 per month may qualify for Medicaid under the "medically needy" (MN) program only
if the person can prove that the person has spent all of his or her excess income above $637 per
month on medical expenses for the three- or six-month period prior to coverage. A person who is
released from a correctional institution or institution for mental diseases is not eligible to qualify
for Medicaid under the MN program if the person's medical expenses for the previous three- or
six-month period were covered by the institution. DSHS may change the income limitation for
the CN Medicaid program within parameters authorized by the federal government without
losing federal matching funds.
The federal poverty level refers to poverty guidelines published annually by the federal
Department of Health and Human Services. These guidelines are adjusted annually to account
for inflation. The federal poverty level is currently $851 per month for one individual or $1,141
per month for two persons.
Summary of Bill:
DSHS must raise the categorically needy income level (CNIL) for aged, blind, and disabled
persons to 80 percent of the federal poverty level (FPL) as adjusted annually beginning July 1,
2009, 90 percent beginning July 1, 2011, and 100 percent beginning July 1, 2013. The act takes
effect July 1, 2009, and the provisions of the bill are contingent upon funding provided in the
2009-11 biennial budget.
Appropriation: None.
Fiscal Note: Available on SB 6583 and requested for SSB 6583 on February 19, 2008.
Effective Date: The bill takes effect 90 days after adjournment of session in which bill is passed.