Bill > S5417

This bill amends the Social Security Act to protect Medicaid coverage and home and community-based services (HCBS) for military service members and their dependents who are temporarily relocated to another state due to active duty service. Starting January 1, 2028, the bill requires state Medicaid plans to treat military relocations as temporary absences, which means service members and their dependents can maintain their existing Medicaid eligibility and continue receiving services even if they move to a different state. Specifically, if a service member or dependent was receiving HCBS or was on an HCBS waiting list before relocation, they will remain on that waiting list until the new state completes an assessment of their eligibility or they choose to be removed. The bill defines an "active duty relocated individual" as a current or recent service member (or their dependent) who has been temporarily relocated to another state and was previously receiving or waiting for HCBS. This legislation aims to reduce disruptions in healthcare services for military families who must move frequently due to military assignments, ensuring continuity of care across state lines.