This act allows Medicaid eligibility for an employed person who meets the definition of disabled, satisfies asset limits, and who has an annual income of up to 250 percent of the federal poverty level.

The asset limit for the new program is the same as that for the Medical Assistance – Permanently and Totally Disabled (MA-PTD) program, currently $999.99 for a single person and $2,000 for a couple with the standard exemptions. The available asset limit does not include medical savings accounts or independent living accounts. The individual must have a gross income of 250 percent or less of the federal poverty level. Individuals with gross income in excess of one hundred percent of the federal poverty level shall pay a specified monthly premium for participation. For income to qualify as earned income for the purposes of this program, the individual must demonstrate that Social Security and Medicare taxes are paid on the earnings.

If an individual's employer offers health insurance that is more cost effective, the individual shall participate in the employer-sponsored insurance. The Department of Social Services, however, will be responsible for costs associated with the employer insurance.

MEDICAID ELIGIBILITY FOR SHELTERED WORKSHOP EMPLOYEES

This act also provides that as to the permanent and totally disabled population, any income derived through certified extended employment at a sheltered workshop shall not be considered as income for determining Medicaid eligibility.

PSYCHOLOGICAL OR COUNSELING SERVICES FOR CHILDREN

As to eligibility under MO HealthNet, prior authorization shall not be implemented for psychological or counseling services for children under the age of six or for any child or adolescent in the custody of or adopted from the state.

UNINSURED WOMEN'S HEALTH PROGRAM

This act also requires revision of eligibility requirements for the uninsured women's health program to include women who are at least 18 years old and with a net family income of at or below 185 percent of the federal poverty level. Such women shall not have assets in excess of 250,000 dollars, nor shall they have access to employer-sponsored health insurance.

This act has an emergency clause and there is a three-year sunset on the provisions of this act.

This act is similar to SCS/HCS/HB 1742 (2006) and SB 1049 (2006).

ADRIANE CROUSE