FINAL BILL REPORT
HJM 4000
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. |
Synopsis as Enacted
Brief Description: Requesting passage of the federal act to restore payment of county health care costs.
Sponsors: Representatives O'Brien, Warnick, Takko, Morrell, Hasegawa, Simpson and Moeller.
House Committee on Human Services
Senate Committee on Health & Long-Term Care
Senate Committee on Human Services & Corrections
Background:
Under federal law, a person who is in a public institution involuntarily is considered to be an "inmate" of a public institution. As a result, persons who are unable to make bail and are incarcerated pending trial are not eligible for federal benefits such as Medicaid, Medicare, Supplementary Security Income, or State Children's Health Insurance Program benefits, even though no finding of guilt has been made. In April 2008 House Resolution 5698 (HR 5698), the Restoring Partnership for County Health Care Costs Act of 2008, was introduced in the 110th U.S. Congress. It was subsequently referred to the Subcommittee on Income Security and Family Support, where it remained in committee. If HR 5698 were passed by Congress, the definition of "inmate of a public institution" would be amended to exclude individuals who are in custody pending the disposition of charges. Under the amended definition, a person in custody, but not adjudicated guilty, may continue to receive or apply for federal benefits.
Summary:
The Joint Memorial requests the President, the President of the U.S. Senate, the Speaker of the U.S. House of Representatives, and the U.S. Congress to pass HR 5698, the Restoring Partnership for County Health Care Costs Act of 2008.
Votes on Final Passage:
House | 95 | 1 | |
Senate | 45 | 0 |