2SHB 1201

SENATE BILL REPORT
2SHB 1201

This analysis was prepared by non-partisan legislative staff for the use of legislative members in their deliberations. This analysis is not a part of the legislation nor does it constitute a statement of legislative intent.

As Reported By Senate Committee On:
Health & Long-Term Care, March 22, 2007
Ways & Means, March 30, 2007

Title: An act relating to extending medicaid coverage for foster care youth who reach age eighteen.

Brief Description: Extending medicaid coverage for foster care youth who reach age eighteen.

Sponsors: House Committee on Appropriations (originally sponsored by Representatives Roberts, Kagi, Haler, P. Sullivan, Walsh, Pettigrew, Darneille, Santos, McCoy, Ormsby, Wood, Dickerson, Clibborn, Schual-Berke, Simpson, Lantz, Hasegawa, Kenney, Pedersen and Seaquist).

Majority Report: Do pass and be referred to Committee on Ways & Means.Signed by Senators Keiser, Chair; Franklin, Vice Chair; Pflug, Ranking Minority Member; Carrell, Fairley, Kastama, Kohl-Welles and Parlette.

Majority Report: Do pass as amended.Signed by Senators Prentice, Chair; Fraser, Vice Chair, Capital Budget Chair; Pridemore, Vice Chair, Operating Budget; Zarelli, Ranking Minority Member; Brandland, Carrell, Fairley, Hatfield, Hewitt, Hobbs, Honeyford, Keiser, Kohl-Welles, Oemig, Parlette, Rasmussen, Regala, Roach, Rockefeller, Schoesler and Tom.

Background: The Department of Social and Health Services (DSHS) provides services to youth in foster care generally through age 18, unless the youth is in school or in treatment. In addition to foster care placement services, DSHS may provide medical coverage through Medicaid or the Medical Assistance Program. Medical coverage is generally available through age 18 for all children covered by Medicaid. A few young adults between ages 18 and 21 that remain in foster care maintain eligibility for medical assistance.

Summary of Second Substitute Bill: Eligibility for Medicaid or Medical Assistance is extended for youth that were in foster care on their 18th birthday, up to age 21, irrespective of continuing placement in foster care.

EFFECT OF CHANGES MADE BY RECOMMENDED STRIKING AMENDMENT(S) AS PASSED COMMITTEE (Ways & Means): Simplifies the eligibility definition while keeping it consistent with definitions being used by other states that have implemented this expansion.

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

Staff Summary of Public Testimony (Health & Long-Term Care): PRO: This simply extends medical coverage for our foster youth. It is a good step to take care of these children, and the House Budget includes funding at this point

Persons Testifying (Health & Long-Term Care): PRO: Representative Roberts, prime sponsor; Jim Theofelis, Mockingbird Society.