Bill Summary
The "Ensuring Access to Medicaid Buy-in Programs Act" is a legislative proposal aimed at amending the Social Security Act to enhance Medicaid eligibility for working adults with disabilities. Specifically, the bill seeks to eliminate age restrictions that currently limit access to Medicaid buy-in programs for individuals under 65 years old.
By removing the phrase “but less than 65” from relevant sections of the Social Security Act, the legislation allows working adults with disabilities, regardless of age, to qualify for Medicaid assistance while maintaining employment. Additionally, the bill provides a grace period until January 1, 2027, during which states that currently provide Medicaid assistance to these individuals will not be penalized for not complying with the new eligibility requirements.
Overall, the legislation aims to improve access to essential healthcare services for working adults with disabilities, promoting their ability to work without the fear of losing health coverage.
Possible Impacts
The legislation titled the "Ensuring Access to Medicaid Buy-in Programs Act" could have several impacts on individuals, particularly working adults with disabilities. Here are three examples of how it might affect people:
1. **Increased Access to Medicaid Services**: By removing age restrictions on Medicaid eligibility for working adults with disabilities, the legislation allows individuals over the age of 65 to access Medicaid services while continuing to work. This could significantly enhance their ability to obtain necessary medical care, rehabilitation services, and support that can help them maintain their employment and quality of life.
2. **Improved Financial Stability**: Many working adults with disabilities may have previously faced challenges in balancing work and health care needs due to age-related Medicaid restrictions. With the removal of these restrictions, individuals can pursue or maintain employment without fear of losing access to essential health care services. This could lead to greater financial independence and reduce reliance on other forms of public assistance.
3. **Enhanced Employment Opportunities**: The legislation could encourage more working adults with disabilities to seek employment or pursue advanced career opportunities, knowing that they can still qualify for Medicaid. This change may lead to a more inclusive workforce, as individuals who previously felt unable to work due to health care concerns might now feel empowered to take on job opportunities, contributing to economic growth and diversity in the workplace.
[Congressional Bills 119th Congress]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office]
[H.R. 1598 Introduced in House (IH)]
<DOC>
119th CONGRESS
1st Session
H. R. 1598
To amend title XIX of the Social Security Act to remove certain age
restrictions on Medicaid eligibility for working adults with
disabilities.
_______________________________________________________________________
IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES
February 26, 2025
Mr. Ciscomani (for himself and Ms. Perez) introduced the following
bill; which was referred to the Committee on Energy and Commerce
_______________________________________________________________________
A BILL
To amend title XIX of the Social Security Act to remove certain age
restrictions on Medicaid eligibility for working adults with
disabilities.
Be it enacted by the Senate and House of Representatives of the
United States of America in Congress assembled,
SECTION 1. SHORT TITLE.
This Act may be cited as the ``Ensuring Access to Medicaid Buy-in
Programs Act''.
SEC. 2. REMOVING CERTAIN AGE RESTRICTIONS ON MEDICAID ELIGIBILITY FOR
WORKING ADULTS WITH DISABILITIES.
(a) Modification of Optional Buy-In Groups.--
(1) In general.--Section 1902(a)(10)(A)(ii)(XV) of the
Social Security Act (42 U.S.C. 1396a(a)(10)(A)(ii)(XV)) is
amended by striking ``, but less than 65,''.
(2) Definition modification.--Section 1905(v)(1)(A) of the
Social Security Act (42 U.S.C. 1396d(v)(1)(A)) is amended by
striking ``, but less than 65,''.
(b) Application to Certain States.--A State that, as of the date of
the enactment of this Act, provides for making medical assistance
available to individuals described in subclause (XV) or (XVI) of
section 1902(a)(10)(A)(ii) of the Social Security Act (42 U.S.C.
1396a(a)(10)(A)(ii)) shall not be regarded as failing to comply with
the requirements of either such subclause (as amended by subsection
(a)(1)) or with section 1905(v)(1)(A) of the Social Security Act (42
U.S.C. 1396d(v)(1)(A)) (as amended by subsection (a)(2)) before January
1, 2027.
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