Bill > S448

This bill aims to remove employment barriers for people with disabilities by modifying the Health Coverage for Workers with Disabilities (HCWD) Medicaid program. Specifically, the bill requires the Department of Health and Human Services to submit documentation to the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) to eliminate the current unearned income limit and resource limit for program eligibility. The bill expands eligibility criteria for workers with disabilities, allowing individuals to maintain Medicaid coverage while working, with provisions for continued eligibility during involuntary unemployment (such as for health reasons) for up to 12 months. The bill introduces new provisions that protect individuals' eligibility by disregarding certain types of income when determining eligibility, including work incentive income disregards and impairment-related work expenses. Additionally, the bill provides funding appropriations, allocating $165,000 in state funds and $301,000 in federal funds annually for the 2025-2027 fiscal biennium to support the program's implementation. The changes will take effect upon receiving approval from CMS, with the goal of making it easier for people with disabilities to work and maintain essential health coverage.

https://www.ncleg.gov/BillLookUp/2025/S448