Disaster Relief Medicaid Act
Disaster Relief Medicaid Act
Plain Language Summary
# Disaster Relief Medicaid Act – Plain Language Summary **What the Bill Does:** The Disaster Relief Medicaid Act would automatically extend Medicaid health insurance coverage to people affected by major disasters, national emergencies, or public health emergencies. If passed, eligible individuals—including residents and workers in disaster zones who lost jobs—would receive health coverage for two years after a disaster is officially declared. The federal government would fully fund this coverage (100% of costs), rather than splitting expenses with states. **Who It Affects:** This bill would help people in disaster-affected areas who meet income requirements for Medicaid.
It particularly targets workers who lost employment due to the disaster. It also affects state Medicaid programs, which would be required to provide this emergency coverage but receive full federal reimbursement for costs. **Current Status:** The bill was introduced by Representative Jimmy Panetta (D-CA) in the 119th Congress and is currently in committee, meaning it hasn't yet been voted on by the full House. The bill has not advanced further at this time.
CRS Official Summary
Disaster Relief Medicaid Act This bill establishes a series of programs and requirements relating to Medicaid coverage of individuals affected by a federally declared major disaster, national emergency, or public health emergency. In particular, the bill provides for specific coverage under Medicaid for individuals who meet specified income eligibility standards and were either residents of the impacted area or were employed in the impacted area (and subsequently lost employment). Coverage is effective for two years after the date of the disaster or emergency declaration. State Medicaid programs must provide coverage that is at least as comprehensive as the state's Medicaid coverage and the Medicaid coverage of the individual's home state, as applicable. The bill applies a 100% Federal Medical Assistance Percentage (i.e., federal matching rate) to such coverage and related administrative expenses. The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services must contract with a nonprofit to evaluate the impact of the bill's implementation.
Latest Action
Referred to the Committee on Energy and Commerce, and in addition to the Committee on Ways and Means, for a period to be subsequently determined by the Speaker, in each case for consideration of such provisions as fall within the jurisdiction of the committee concerned.