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2021 Session

Budget Amendments - HB1800 (Member Request)

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

Item 312 #2h

Item 312 #2h

Health and Human Resources
Department of Medical Assistance Services

Language

Page 345, after line 37, insert:

"H. The Department of Medical Assistance Services shall, pursuant to Section 214 of CHIPRA of 2009, increase the age limit for FAMIS 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 million from the general fund and $xx million from federal matching funds and language to increase the age limit for "legally residing" immigrant youth to retain their health insurance through the Family Access to Medical Insurance Security (FAMIS) program. Currently Virginia covers these children until their 19th birthday after which many lose health care 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 313 provides this coverage for children in the Medicaid program.)