Medicaid for Children Up to 133% of Poverty (language only)

Item 324 #3c

Language
Page 249, after line 43, insert:
"C.  As a condition of this appropriation, the Department of Medical Assistance Services shall amend the state plan for Title XXI Children's Health Insurance to provide that children over six years of age whose family income, determined according to Medicaid income methodologies, is from 100 percent to 133 percent of the federal poverty line, are eligible for Medicaid."

Explanation
(This amendment alters the current FAMIS plan (the new health insurance plan for poor children) so that children up to age 19 at less than 133 percent of the federal poverty level continue to receive Medicaid benefits. Currently, Medicaid covers only children up to age 6 at less than 133 percent of the poverty level and from ages 7 to 19 at less than 100 percent of the poverty level. This amendment would simplify health insurance eligibility for poor children. Eligibility would be based on income alone, not on age and income. Children at less than 133 percent of the poverty level would qualify for Medicaid, and children in families with incomes between 133 percent and 200 percent of the federal poverty level would qualify for FAMIS. This change would qualify for federal funding at the 66 percent FAMIS match rate.)