Chief Patron: Morgan
Co-Patron(s): Hamilton
FAMIS-12 Month Continuous Coverage

Item 324 #8h

Language
Page 249, line 19, strike "$63,310,011" and insert "$67,977,673".
Page 249, line 19, strike "$66,019,086" and insert "$72,112,858".
Page 249, after line 43, insert:
"C.  The Department of Medical Assistance Services shall amend the State Plan for Title XXI Children's Health Insurance to (i) provide for 12-month continuous coverage for children enrolled in FAMIS and (ii) for children with family income at or higher than 150 percent of the poverty line, replace monthly premiums with a reasonable annual enrollment fee, not to exceed $100 per family."

Explanation
(This amendment adds language that amends the current FAMIS (the new health insurance plan for poor children) requirement that families with children immediately report all changes in circumstances that would affect eligibility. Children would remain eligible for a full 12 months of uninterrupted coverage. The intent is to avoid on and off eligibility between Medicaid and FAMIS as a result of fluctuations in family income. This amendment also substitutes an annual enrollment fee for monthly premiums. The Joint Legislative Audit and Review Commission found that more than 3,000 children faced termination from the program because of premium non-payment.)