HCS/SCS/SB 322 - This act raises the asset limits for MO HealthNet permanent and totally disabled, blind, and aged claimants, starting in fiscal year 2017, from no greater than $1,000 for individuals to $2,000 and from under $2,000 for married couples to $4,000. For each fiscal year after 2017 until 2020, those asset limits shall be increased $1,000 and $2,000 respectively so that by fiscal year 2020 the limit for individuals shall be $5,000 and for married couples $10,000. Beginning in fiscal year 2021, these limits shall be modified to reflect any cost-of-living adjustments. Additionally, this act excludes from asset limit calculations medical savings accounts and independent living accounts as defined in the Ticket to Work Health Assurance Program. This act also requires the Department of Social Services, by January 1, 2016, to contract with a private vendor to verify that eligibility requirements are being met by recipients of public assistance, including supplemental nutrition assistance program; temporary assistance for needy families: women, infants, and children supplemental nutrition program; child care assistance; and MO HealthNet. The Department will retain final determination of eligibility. The Department and the contractor are required to file an annual report with the Governor and the General Assembly regarding the eligibility data.
This act is identical to provisions in SCS/HCS/HB 796 (2015), HB 985 (2015), HCS/SCS/SB 35 (2015); substantially similar to provisions in HCS/SCS/SB 38 (2015) and SCS/HCS HB 796 (2015); and similar to provisions in HB 466 (2015) and HB 549 (2015).
SARAH HASKINS
HA 1 - TECHNICAL FIX TO SECTION 208.065