Bill > S0050

This bill establishes the Catastrophic Illness in Children Relief Fund, a new state program designed to provide financial assistance to families with children 21 years old or younger who are facing extraordinary medical expenses. The fund will help cover medical costs that are not covered by other state or federal programs or insurance, specifically for families whose medical expenses exceed a defined percentage of their annual income. A nine-member commission will be created to administer the fund, consisting of four ex officio government officials and five public members appointed by the governor, including healthcare providers. The fund will be financed through a $1.50 annual surcharge per employee on employers subject to employment security laws. Families can apply for assistance, which may include payments or reimbursements for medical treatment, hospital care, drugs, nursing care, and physician services. The commission will establish eligibility criteria using a sliding fee scale that considers family size, income, assets, and medical expenses. The fund is designed as a non-lapsing, revolving fund managed by the general treasurer, and the commission will be required to provide annual reports to the governor and legislative committees detailing program participation, expenditures, and the types of catastrophic illnesses supported. Notably, if a family receives damages through a legal settlement for a child's medical expenses, they will be required to reimburse the fund for the assistance received.

Health and Social Services

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