SENATE BILL REPORT
SB 5284
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.
As Reported By Senate Committee On:
Health & Long-Term Care, February 5, 2007
Ways & Means, February 12, 2007
Title: An act relating to eligibility for long-term care services.
Brief Description: Concerning eligibility for long-term care services.
Sponsors: Senators Keiser, Franklin and Kohl-Welles; by request of Department of Social and Health Services.
Brief History:
Committee Activity: Health & Long-Term Care: 1/29/07, 2/5/07 [DP-WM].
Ways & Means: 2/12/07 [w/oRec].
SENATE COMMITTEE ON HEALTH & LONG-TERM CARE
Majority Report: Do pass and be referred to Committee on Ways & Means.Signed by Senators Keiser, Chair; Franklin, Vice Chair; Pflug, Ranking Minority Member; Carrell, Fairley, Kastama, Kohl-Welles, Marr and Parlette.
Staff: Rhoda Donkin (786-7465)
Background: The federal Deficit Reduction Act of 2005 amended the exemption status of an individual's home in determining eligibility for Medicaid-funded long-term care services. Individuals are no longer eligible for Medicaid-funded long-term care services if the individual's equity interest in their home exceeds $500,000. The state has the option of setting the equity standard at an amount between $500,000 and $750,000. State statute must be revised to comply with this new federal limit.
Summary of Bill: The exemption status of the home for an applicant or recipient of Medicaid-funded long-term care services based on or after May 1, 2006 is changed. Individuals are no
longer eligible for long-term care services if the individual's equity interest in their home exceeds
$500,000.
The dollar amount must be increased every year, beginning in 2011, based on the percentage
increase in the consumer price index for all urban consumers.
This rule does not apply if a spouse is blind or disabled, or a dependent child under age 21 is
lawfully residing in the primary residence.
Appropriation: None.
Fiscal Note: Available.
Committee/Commission/Task Force Created: No.
Effective Date: Ninety days after adjournment of session in which bill is passed.
Staff Summary of Public Testimony: PRO: This change is necessary to be in compliance with changes in federal law.
Persons Testifying: PRO: Bill Moss, Department of Social and Health Services.