Menu
2021 Session

Budget Amendments - HB1800 (Member Request)

View Budget Item
View Budget Item amendments

Chief Patron: Sickles
Medicaid Eligibility for Immigrant Youth (language only)

Item 313 #28h

Item 313 #28h

Health and Human Resources
Department of Medical Assistance Services

Language

Page 382, after line 17, insert:

"AAAAAA. The Department of Medical Assistance Services shall, pursuant to Section 214 of CHIPRA of 2009, increase the age limit for Medicaid eligibility for legally residing immigrant children from age 19 to age 21. The department shall have the authority to promulgate emergency regulations to implement these amendments within 280 days or less from the enactment of this act."



Explanation

(This amendment adds $xx from the general fund and $xx from federal matching funds and language to increase the age limit for "legally residing" immigrant youth to retain their health insurance through the Medicaid program. Currently Virginia covers these children until their 19th birthday, and then many lose coverage. Some may continue to receive Medicaid in a different category, such as expansion coverage for low-income adults, or coverage through the ACA Marketplace (which requires much higher out-of-pocket costs). By increasing the age limit, Virginia would ensure continuity of health care for these young adults. A companion amendment in Item 312 provides this coverage for children in the FAMIS program.)