Chief Patron: Gartlan
Child Health Benefits-Reduce Waiting Period (language only)

Item 339 #1s

Language
Page 273, line 37, before "Pursuant" insert "A."
Page 273, after line 48, insert:
"B. The Department of Medical Assistance Services shall amend the state plan for the Virginia Children's Medical Security Insurance Plan to (i) reduce the waiting period for previously insured children to three months, (ii) exclude children in families with incomes under 150 percent of the federal poverty level from the waiting period, and (iii) exclude children whose previous insurance was not employer-based group coverage from the waiting period.  The state plan shall be filed and any necessary regulations shall be promulgated to take effect no later than 280 days from the enactment of this provision."

Explanation
(This amendment shortens the waiting period for eligibility for the Virginia Children's Medical Security Insurance Plan and provides additional exceptions for financial hardship by limiting the rule to higher income families and families that had employer-based group coverage.)