SB 125 - Beginning January 1, 2016, this act extends eligibility for an alternative package of MO HealthNet benefits to individuals who are between the ages of nineteen and sixty-five, are not pregnant, are not entitled to or enrolled in certain Medicare benefits, are not eligible or enrolled for mandatory coverage under the MO HealthNet Program, and have a household income that is at or below 133% of the federal poverty level. Except for medically frail individuals, those eligible for the alternative package of benefits shall receive a package based on regulations promulgated by the MO HealthNet Division that complies with federal law. For medically frail individuals that are eligible for the alternative package of benefits, such individuals shall receive all coverage they are eligible to receive under the MO HealthNet program. The Department of Social Services shall establish a screening process in conjunction with the Department of Mental Health and the Department of Health and Senior Services to determine whether an individual is medically frail.
The Department of Social Services shall discontinue eligibility for the alternative package of benefits if the federal medical assistance percentage is less than ninety percent as specified for 2020 and each year thereafter or an amount determined by the MO HealthNet Oversight Committee to be necessary to maintain state budget solvency, whichever is lower, as well as a vote by the General Assembly to discontinue eligibility. The Department of Social Services must inform eligible individuals that their benefits may be reduced or eliminated if federal funding decreases or is eliminated.
The MO HealthNet Oversight Committee shall conduct research and investigate any potential health-related savings and revenues associated with expanding eligibility to persons under this act and determine the feasibility of different options described in the act.
This act is substantially similar to HB 153 (2015) and HB 809 (2015) and substantially similar to HB 474 (2015), HB 825 (2015), HB 988 (2015), HB 989 (2015), HB 1351 (2015), and a provision in SB 301 (2015).
SARAH HASKINS