ANALYSIS OF HOUSE BILL 2364

      Eliminating employment barriers for individuals with disabilities.

Health Care Committee                          January 19, 2000

Washington State House of Representatives

SPONSORS:  Representatives Cody and Carlson.

BACKGROUND:  Congress enacted the Ticket to Work and Work Incentives Improvement Act in November, 1999.  The legislation authorizes individuals with disabilities to use a ticket to work and self-sufficiency to obtain employment services, vocational rehabilitation services, or other support services from an employment network of the individual=s choice.  The legislation also gives the State greater flexibility in removing barriers to employment for individuals with disabilities.  States are given the option to modify Medicaid income and resource limits for individuals with disabilities who are earning an income.  States may also allow working individuals with disabilities to buy into Medicaid even though they are no longer eligible for federal disability benefits.

SUMMARY:  The Department of Social and Health Services will continue medicaid coverage for individuals with disabilities who go to work.  The department will establish earned income disregards, cost sharing, and a schedule of premiums that eliminate disincentives to work.  The department will also develop a ticket to work program that allows individuals with disabilities to choose their provider of vocational rehabilitation services, employment services, and other support services.