2023 -- S 0547

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LC001826

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     STATE OF RHODE ISLAND

IN GENERAL ASSEMBLY

JANUARY SESSION, A.D. 2023

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A N   A C T

RELATING TO HUMAN SERVICES -- HEALTH CARE FOR ELDERLY AND DISABLED

RESIDENTS ACT

     Introduced By: Senators Ciccone, DiPalma, Lombardo, Burke, and Tikoian

     Date Introduced: March 07, 2023

     Referred To: Senate Finance

     It is enacted by the General Assembly as follows:

     SECTION 1. Section 40-8.5-1 of the General Laws in Chapter 40-8.5 entitled "Health Care

for Elderly and Disabled Residents Act" is hereby amended to read as follows:

     40-8.5-1. Categorically needy medical assistance coverage.

     The department of human services is hereby authorized and directed to amend its Title XIX

state plan to provide for categorically needy medical assistance coverage as permitted pursuant to

Title XIX of the Social Security Act, 42 U.S.C. § 1396 et seq., as amended, to individuals who are

sixty-five (65) years or older or are disabled, as determined under § 1614(a)(3) of the Social

Security Act, 42 U.S.C. § 1382c(a)(3), as amended, whose income does not exceed one hundred

percent (100%) one hundred eighty percent (180%) of the federal poverty level (as revised

annually) applicable to the individual’s family size, and whose resources do not exceed four

thousand dollars ($4,000) per individual, or six thousand dollars ($6,000) per couple. The

department shall provide medical assistance coverage to such elderly or disabled persons in the

same amount, duration, and scope as provided to other categorically needy persons under the state’s

Title XIX state plan.

     SECTION 2. This act shall take effect upon passage.

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LC001826

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EXPLANATION

BY THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL

OF

A N   A C T

RELATING TO HUMAN SERVICES -- HEALTH CARE FOR ELDERLY AND DISABLED

RESIDENTS ACT

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     This act would increase the income limits for elderly or disabled individuals to one hundred

eighty percent (180%) of the federal poverty level to qualify for medical assistance coverage.

     This act would take effect upon passage.

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LC001826

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