Allow Medicaid Buy-in Program After Age 65

Subject to federal authorization and funding, the act authorizes working adults with disabilities who are 65 years of age or older to continue participating in the existing medicaid buy-in program (program). The act directs the department of health care policy and financing (department) to seek federal authorization to expand the program to include individuals in the work incentives eligibility group, which is defined, to match federal eligibility criteria, as individuals who are age 65 years or older with a disability who, except for assets or income, would be eligible for the supplemental security income program. The department shall submit necessary state plan amendments to implement the program and must implement the program by July 1, 2022. For the 2020-21 fiscal year, the act appropriates $50,000 from the general fund to the department, with $50,000 anticipated in federal funds. (Note: This summary applies to this bill as enacted.)