Vote Smart's Synopsis:

Vote to pass a bill that appropriates funds for fiscal years 2014-2015 and 2015-2016 and expands Medicaid eligibility.

Highlights:

• Requires the Department of Medical Assistance Services to amend the State Plan for Medical Assistance to implement coverage for “newly eligible individuals” pursuant to the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act of 2010 (Sec. 301). 

• Specifies that any changes to the State Plan for Medical Assistance must be approved by the Medicaid Innovation and Reform Commission (Sec. 301).

• Requires the Director of the Department to seek the necessary federal waivers from the United States Department of Health and Human Services to cover health care services and delivery systems (Sec. 301).

• Requires the Department to expand the following waivers for individuals transitioning out of institutional settings (Sec. 301):
• The Individual and Family Developmental Disabilities (DD) Support Waiver to add up to 30 new slots; and
• The Intellectual Disabilities (ID) Waiver to add up to 220 new slots. 

• Requires the Department to seek federal approval for necessary changes to certain home and community-based waivers to allow individuals transitioning from institutions to receive care in the community (Sec. 301).

• Authorizes the Department to disenroll and eliminate health insurance coverage for individuals in the case of a reduction in federal medical assistance through the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act of 2010 (Sec. 301). 

• Sen. John A. Cosgrove stated that he was abstaining pursuant to Rule 36 on Item 101 #1s, but voting on SB 5003 as a whole.

• Sen. L. Louise Lucas stated that he was abstaining pursuant to Rule 36 on Item 301 #25s, but voting on SB 5003 as a whole.

• Sen. Ryan T. McDougle stated that he was abstaining pursuant to Rule 36 on Item 204 #6s, but voting on SB 5003 as a whole.

• Sen. Thomas Kent Norment Jr. stated that he was abstaining pursuant to Rule 36 on Item 70 #1s, but voting on SB 5003 as a whole.

• Sen. Walter A. Stosch stated that he was abstaining pursuant to Rule 36 on Item 1 #6s, but voting on SB 5003 as a whole.

Full Bill Text