HCS HB 827 -- MEDICAL ASSISTANCE FOR EMPLOYED PERSONS WITH
DISABILITIES (Portwood)

COMMITTEE OF ORIGIN:  Senior Citizen Advocacy

This substitute requires the Department of Social Services to
determine the eligibility of an employed disabled person
requesting medical assistance whose family income is less than
250% of the federal poverty level.  The substitute:

(1)  Requires an applicant to work at least 40 hours per month,
have a gross annual income of less than $18,000, and pay a $65
application fee;

(2)  Specifies that an individual's personal assets cannot exceed
$1,000, while a couple's assets cannot exceed $2,000;

(3)  Specifies that an independent living development account
with a value less than $10,000 per year, a medical expense
account with a value less than $5,000 per year, and a combined
spousal income up to $32,500 per year will not be considered
assets for determining eligibility;

(4)  Specifies that an individual whose income is greater than
80% of the federal poverty level will have to pay a premium
between $100 and $400 based on their previous month's income;

(5)  Specifies that any person's income exceeding the limit for
permanent and total disability benefits in Section 208.151, RSMo,
will pay a premium equal to the amount of a person's spend down
amount;

(6)  Specifies that nonpayment of a premium will result in the
denial or termination of medical assistance;

(7)  Requires the Family Support Division to conduct an annual
income and eligibility review of every recipient at least once a
year, no later than 12 months after the recipient's last
eligibility determination.  Persons renewing their applications
are to provide documentation of eligibility each year or be
denied participation in the program for that year;

(8)  Prohibits an individual who is eligible under this section
but is also eligible for the Missouri Medicaid Program and the
federal Medicare Program from being eligible for continued
prescription drug or medication assistance;

(9)  Allows an individual who has been enrolled for four
consecutive months and lost his or her job due to a medical
condition or some other reason not attributable to the enrollee
to retain eligibility in this program for an additional three
months; and

(10)  Specifies that medical assistance will only be available if
annual appropriations are made for eligibility.  The substitute
does not apply to persons already receiving aid or assistance
under certain state plans.

The provisions of the substitute will expire six years from the
effective date.

FISCAL NOTE:  Estimated Income on General Revenue Fund of Less
than $25,352,268 in FY 2006, Less than $25,340,799 in FY 2007,
and Less than $25,338,745 in FY 2008.  No impact on Other State
Funds in FY 2006, FY 2007, and FY 2008.

Missouri House of Representatives
93rd General Assembly, 1st Regular Session
Last Updated August 25, 2005 at 1:20 pm