HOUSE BILL REPORT

HB 2230

As Passed Legislature

Title:  An act relating to state health and employment support benefits for incapacitated or disabled individuals.

Brief Description:  Revising state health and employment support benefits for incapacitated or disabled individuals.

Sponsors:  By Representatives Cody, Pflug, Linville, G. Chandler, Quall and Morris.

Brief History:

Committee Activity:

Health Care:   4/12/01 [DP].

Second Special Session

Floor Activity:

Passed House: 6/20/01, 83-0.

Passed Senate: 6/20/01, 39-0.

Passed Legislature.

Brief Summary of Bill

$Maintains medical coverage for individuals with disabilities who go to work and receive earned income.

HOUSE COMMITTEE ON HEALTH CARE

Majority Report:  Do pass. Signed by 10 members: Representatives Campbell, Republican Co‑Chair; Cody, Democratic Co‑Chair; Schual‑Berke, Democratic Vice Chair; Skinner, Republican Vice Chair; Conway, Darneille, Edmonds, Marine, McMorris and Pennington.

Staff:  Dave Knutson (786‑7146).

Background:

Congress enacted the Ticket to Work and Work Incentives Improvement Act in November 1999.  The legislation 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 of Bill:

The Department of Social and Health Services will continue medical 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.

Appropriation:  None.

Fiscal Note:  Requested on April 4, 2001.

Effective Date:  Ninety days after adjournment of session in which bill is passed.

Testimony For:  None.

Testimony Against:  None.

Testified:  None.