Bill > H966

This bill aims to preserve eligibility for the Program of All-inclusive Care for the Elderly (PACE) and certain waivered services, which are programs that provide comprehensive health and long-term care services to eligible individuals, often those who are elderly or disabled. Specifically, it modifies how income is considered when determining nursing home benefits under Medicaid, a government health insurance program for low-income individuals. The bill states that if an individual's monthly income exceeds certain allowances, they are generally responsible for paying the excess amount to their care provider for up to six months. However, for individuals whose gross income is above 300% of the federal Supplemental Security Income (SSI) level (a federal program providing cash assistance to low-income individuals who are aged, blind, or disabled) but below the average monthly cost of nursing home care, and who are participating in a Home and Community Based Waiver or a PACE Program, the state division will instead charge a monthly premium. This premium will be equal to the difference between their gross income and 300% of the federal SSI level, and the state will seek federal approval for this change.