FINAL BILL REPORT

SSB 6833

C 366 L 02

Synopsis as Enacted

Brief Description:  Revising medical care eligibility for certain immigrants.

Sponsors:  Senate Committee on Ways & Means (originally sponsored by Senators Brown, Winsley, Thibaudeau and Franklin).

Senate Committee on Ways & Means

Background:  Under federal law, immigrants who cannot document that they are residing in the country legally, and most of those who have entered the country legally within the previous five years, are not eligible for most Medicaid services.  Under state law, both groups are eligible for the same services which they would receive under Medicaid, with the state covering 100 percent of the cost.  The Department of Social and Health Services estimates that it will spend approximately $28 million providing "state-only" medical assistance next year, on behalf of about 27,000 immigrants per month.  About 4,200 will be children and adults who have immigrated legally within the previous five years.  About 22,800 will be children whose families cannot document their legal residency.

Both groups of immigrants are eligible for Medicaid coverage of emergency medical conditions and for enrollment in the state's Basic Health Plan.

Summary:  Full-scope coverage under the state medical assistance program is only available to the extent that persons are eligible for Medicaid.

Votes on Final Passage:

Senate45 0

House5245

Effective:  October 1, 2002