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)