Authority: Title 32.1, Chapter 12, Code of Virginia.
A. In administering the Hospitalization and Outpatient Services for Indigent and Medically Indigent subprogram, the Department shall be guided by the following:
1. The allocation of state funds shall be based on the estimated total cost of required services in each county and city less the funds which shall be provided by the counties and cities. County and city funding shall be based upon a sliding scale not to exceed 25 percent of the total cost of required services.
2. Out of this subprogram, $113,550 the first year and $113,550 the second year from the general fund is reserved to support the state's share of expenses associated with inpatient services for migrants on the Eastern Shore. Reimbursement for costs shall be made in accordance with the requirements of the State/Local Hospitalization Program and will require a local match.
3. Any funds for the State/Local Hospitalization Program unexpended at the end of the fiscal year shall not revert to the general fund but shall remain in the Program, to be used as an offset to the calculated local share for the following year.
B. Included in the appropriation is $220,702 the first year and $220,702 the second year from the general fund to provide insurance payment assistance for HIV-infected persons in accordance with § 32.1-330.1, Code of Virginia.
C. The Department shall delay implementation of the Diagnosis-Related Groups reimbursement methodology for inpatient hospital services provided under this program until July 1, 1999. Until that time, the daily inpatient hospital reimbursement rate shall be the same as the per diem rate established by the Department and in effect on June 30, 1998.
D.1. The Department of Medical Assistance Services shall develop and implement a state children's health insurance program called KidsCare, a non-Medicaid health insurance initiative. The program shall target children ages 6 through 18 whose family earnings do not exceed 175 percent of the gross federal poverty level. Program health care benefits for uninsured children will be equivalent to a plan that is offered and generally available to state employees. The program should contain innovative approaches to expedite eligibility determination, including use of the Earned Income Tax Credit criteria. The department shall promulgate whatever regulations are necessary to implement KidsCare on July 1, 1998.
2. The plan shall also include the establishment of an eligibility determination office in Norton, Virginia. The department shall work collaboratively with the Department of Social Services to ensure that this office is operational on July 1, 1998. Funding for this purpose is allocated at the Department of Social Services.
3. Revenues from the Virginia Medical Security Insurance Plan Trust Fund, established under Item 339 of this act, shall be used to match federal funds for the State Children's Health Insurance Program. Available funds shall be allocated to program costs at the Department of Medical Assistance Services and the Department of Social Services.