Disaster Relief Medicaid Act
Disaster Relief Medicaid Act
Plain Language Summary
# Disaster Relief Medicaid Act Summary **What It Would Do:** This bill would automatically extend Medicaid health insurance coverage to people affected by major disasters, national emergencies, or public health emergencies for two years following the declared emergency. It would cover both residents of the affected area and people who worked there but lost their jobs due to the disaster, as long as they meet income requirements. The federal government would fully fund this coverage (100% of costs), removing the financial burden from states. **Who It Affects:** The bill primarily impacts people displaced or economically harmed by federally declared disasters—such as hurricanes, floods, or pandemics.
It ensures continuous health insurance access during their recovery period, covering services at least as comprehensive as what their home state normally provides through Medicaid. **Current Status:** The bill is currently in committee and has not yet been voted on by the full Senate. It was introduced by Senator Richard Blumenthal (D-CT) in the 119th Congress.
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
Read twice and referred to the Committee on Finance.