This act requires the Department of Social Services to determine the eligibility of an employed disabled person requesting medical assistance whose family income is less than 250% of the federal poverty level.

This act requires an applicant to work at least 40 hours per month, have a gross annual income of less than $18,000, and pay a $65 application fee. Further, an individual's personal assets cannot exceed $1,000, while a couple's assets cannot exceed $2,000. An independent living development account with a value less than $10,000 per year, a medical expense account with a value less than $5,000 per year, and a combined spousal income up to $32,500 per year will not be considered assets for determining eligibility. This act also provides that an individual whose income is greater than 80% of the federal poverty level will have to pay a premium between $100 and $400 based on their previous month's income. Also, any person's income exceeding the limit for permanent and total disability benefits in Section 208.151, RSMo, will pay a premium equal to the amount of a person's spend down amount. Nonpayment of a premium will result in the denial or termination of medical assistance.

The Family Support Division will be required to conduct an annual income and eligibility review of every recipient at least once a year, no later than 12 months after the recipient's last eligibility determination. Persons renewing their applications are to provide documentation of eligibility each year or be denied participation in the program for that year.

This act prohibits an individual who is eligible under this section but is also eligible for the Missouri Medicaid Program and the federal Medicare Program from being eligible for continued prescription drug or medication assistance. Further, an individual who has been enrolled for four consecutive months and lost his or her job due to a medical condition or some other reason not attributable to the enrollee will be allowed to retain eligibility in this program for an additional three months.

Medical assistance will only be available if annual appropriations are made for eligibility. The provisions of this act do not apply to persons already receiving aid or assistance under certain state plans. The provisions of this act will expire six years from the effective date.

ADRIANE CROUSE