Bill > SB2275

This bill requires the Department of Human Services to establish a Medicaid buy-in program for workers with disabilities, allowing individuals with disabilities who earn more than 250% of the federal poverty level to purchase Medicaid coverage. To be eligible, individuals must be disabled according to federal law, and their income and resources will be assessed using specific Social Security Act methodologies, with certain disability benefits and retirement arrangements exempted from these calculations. Participants will pay monthly premiums on a sliding scale, ranging from $20 to $250, which will be adjusted annually and reported to the legislature. The department can contract with other entities to collect these premiums and must adopt rules to implement the program, including procedures for discontinuing coverage due to non-payment. Crucially, this program will only be implemented if federal funding is available through Title XIX of the Social Security Act.

Health and Social Services

https://www.capitol.hawaii.gov/session/measure_indiv.aspx?billtype=SB&billnumber=2275&year=2026