Ensuring Access to Medicaid Buy-in Programs Act
Ensuring Access to Medicaid Buy-in Programs Act
Plain Language Summary
# HR 1598: Ensuring Access to Medicaid Buy-in Programs Act **What the bill does:** This bill would expand Medicaid's "buy-in" program to include disabled workers age 65 and older. Currently, disabled people who work and earn too much income to qualify for regular Medicaid can buy into the program—but only if they're between 16 and 64 years old. The bill removes the age cap, allowing seniors with disabilities who are still working to also purchase Medicaid coverage. **Who it affects:** The primary beneficiaries would be disabled workers over 65 who continue working but don't qualify for standard Medicaid due to their income level.
Without this option, these individuals might lose access to Medicaid coverage when they turn 65, even though they remain employed and disabled. **Current status:** The bill is currently in committee (as of the 119th Congress), meaning it hasn't yet been debated or voted on by the full House of Representatives. It was introduced by Rep. Juan Ciscomani, a Republican from Arizona.
CRS Official Summary
Ensuring Access to Medicaid Buy-in Programs ActThis bill removes certain age limitations for the Medicaid buy-in program for disabled, working individuals. Current law allows disabled, working individuals ages 16 to 64 whose income exceeds applicable income limits to buy into Medicaid at the option of the state. The bill allows those age 65 or over to also buy into Medicaid.
Latest Action
Referred to the House Committee on Energy and Commerce.