SENATE BILL REPORT

SB 6205

BYSenators Deccio, Johnson, Kreidler, Smith, and West

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

Senate Committee on Health Care & Corrections

Senate Hearing Date(s):January 21, 1988

Majority Report:  Do pass.

      Signed by Senators Deccio, Chairman; Johnson, Vice Chairman; Kreidler, Smith, West, Wojahn.

Senate Staff:Dee Knapp (786-7452)

                  January 21, 1988

Senate Committee on Ways & Means

Senate Hearing Date(s):February 5, 1988

Senate Staff:Randy Hodgins (786-7715)

                  February 4, 1988

AS REPORTED BY COMMITTEE ON HEALTH CARE & CORRECTIONS, JANUARY 21, 1988

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.

Appropriation:    none

Revenue:    none

Fiscal Note:      available

Senate Committee - Testified: Stan Finkelstein, Association of Washington Cities (for); Kurt Sharar, Washington State Association of Counties (for); Mike Redman, Prosecuting Attorneys Association (for); Ron Kero, Dept. of Social and Health Services Medicaid Program; Patricia McInhuff; Seattle King County Dept. of Public Health (for)