SENATE BILL REPORT

SB 5753

BYSenators Wojahn, Halsan and Deccio

Specifying eligibility of city and county inmates for medical care under the limited casualty program.

Senate Committee on Human Services & Corrections

Senate Hearing Date(s):February 17, 1987

Majority Report:  Do pass.

      Signed by Senators Wojahn, Chairman; Stratton, Vice Chairman; Anderson, Deccio, Johnson, Kiskaddon, Kreidler, Tanner.

Senate Staff:Jean Soliz (786-7755)

                  February 17, 1987

AS REPORTED BY COMMITTEE ON HUMAN SERVICES & CORRECTIONS, FEBRUARY 17, 1987

BACKGROUND:

The City and County Jails Act requires the governing unit to pay for necessary health care rendered to inmates during their confinement, unless the person is eligible for a public assistance medical program.  In that case, the Department of Social and Health Services is required to reimburse the local government for the costs of health care.

The public assistance statute gives the Department of Social and Health Services discretionary authority to provide medical assistance to persons who are "medically needy" as defined by federal law.  The Department recently issued an eligibility rule which precludes inmates of city and county jails from receiving medical assistance.  The Joint Administrative Rules Review Committee issued an opinion that the Department's rule is outside legislative intent.

SUMMARY:

The limited casualty medical assistance program statute is amended to prohibit exclusion of eligible city and county jail inmates from coverage solely because of their status as inmates.

Fiscal Note:      requested

Senate Committee - Testified: Ron Kero, Director, DSHS Division of Medical Assistance; Kurt Sharar, Association of Washington Counties; Robert Staulker, Evergreen Legal Services; Monica Benton, Washington Association of Prosecuting Attorneys; Peter King, Association of Washington Cities