SB 419 - This act requires Medicaid eligibility for certain disabled workers. This act is authorized by the federal Ticket to Work and Work Incentives Improvement Act of 1999. A new Section 208.146 is created to allow Medicaid eligibility for an employed person who meets the definition of disabled, satisfies asset limits, and who has an annual income of up to 250 percent of the federal poverty level. Specific assets are excluded for purposes of determining eligibility. Eligibility may not be denied if the applicant holds an independent living development account.

If an individual's employer offers comparable health insurance, then the individual must enroll. The Department of Social Services, however, will be responsible for costs associated with the employer insurance. Any person with income above 150 percent of poverty must pay a specified premium to participate in Medicaid. The Department must submit documentation to the federal government in order to implement this provision and must apply for grants to offset the costs.

This act is identical to HB 512 (2001).
ERIN MOTLEY