Bill Summary
The "Ensuring Access to Medicaid Buy-in Programs Act of 2026" seeks to amend the Social Security Act by eliminating age restrictions on Medicaid eligibility for working adults with disabilities. Specifically, it modifies the criteria for optional Medicaid buy-in groups, allowing individuals aged 16 and older who exceed income limits that would otherwise qualify them for Supplemental Security Income (SSI) to access Medicaid. The legislation aims to enhance access to Medicaid for working adults with disabilities, thereby supporting their ability to maintain employment without losing essential health benefits. Additionally, states that currently provide Medicaid assistance to certain individuals will be given until January 1, 2028, to comply with the new requirements established by this Act.
Possible Impacts
The "Ensuring Access to Medicaid Buy-in Programs Act of 2026" could affect people in the following ways:
1. **Increased Medicaid Access for Younger Adults with Disabilities**: By removing age restrictions for working adults with disabilities, the legislation allows individuals aged 16 to 64 to become eligible for Medicaid regardless of their earnings, which can significantly improve their access to healthcare services. This means that younger individuals who are working but earning too much to qualify for traditional Medicaid can now obtain coverage, helping them manage their health conditions more effectively while maintaining employment.
2. **Support for Economic Independence**: The legislation promotes economic independence by enabling working adults with disabilities to earn more without the fear of losing their Medicaid benefits. This can encourage individuals to pursue higher-paying jobs or additional hours of work, thereby potentially improving their financial stability and quality of life. As a result, this could lead to a reduction in poverty levels among people with disabilities.
3. **Healthcare Cost Reduction**: With broader access to Medicaid for working adults with disabilities, individuals are more likely to receive preventative care and necessary medical treatments. This could lead to lower overall healthcare costs for both individuals and the healthcare system, as early intervention can prevent more severe health issues that would require costly emergency care or long-term treatment.
[Congressional Bills 119th Congress]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office]
[S. 3690 Introduced in Senate (IS)]
<DOC>
119th CONGRESS
2d Session
S. 3690
To amend title XIX of the Social Security Act to remove certain age
restrictions on Medicaid eligibility for working adults with
disabilities.
_______________________________________________________________________
IN THE SENATE OF THE UNITED STATES
January 27, 2026
Mrs. Blackburn introduced the following bill; which was read twice and
referred to the Committee on Finance
_______________________________________________________________________
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 of 2026''.
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) of the Social
Security Act (42 U.S.C. 1396a(a)(10)(A)(ii)) is amended--
(A) in subclause (XV)--
(i) by striking ``, but less than 65,'';
and
(ii) by inserting ``, including at least
the group described in section 1905(a)(xviii)''
before the semicolon at the end; and
(B) in subclause (XVI), by inserting ``including at
least the group described in section 1905(a)(xii),''
after ``the State may establish,''.
(2) Individuals described.--Section 1905(a) of the Social
Security Act (42 U.S.C. 1396d(a)) is amended--
(A) in clause (xvi), by striking ``or'' at the end;
(B) in clause (xvii), by adding ``or'' after the
comma at the end; and
(C) by adding after clause (xvii) the following new
clause:
``(xviii) individuals who, but for earnings
in excess of the limit established under
subsection (q)(2)(B), would be considered to be
receiving supplemental security income, and who
are at least 16 years of age,''.
(3) 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
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 the amendments made by subsection (a) before
January 1, 2028.
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