H.R. 9846: Childhood Disability Benefits Fairness Act

This bill would change how Medicaid eligibility is calculated for some people who receive child’s insurance benefits under Social Security.

What the bill would do

Under current law, some people with disabilities can qualify for Medicaid based on their income and other eligibility rules. This bill would require states to treat certain people who receive child’s insurance benefits as if they were receiving Supplemental Security Income (SSI) for Medicaid eligibility purposes, if they would otherwise qualify for SSI without those child’s insurance benefits.

In simpler terms, if a person’s Social Security child’s insurance benefit is the only thing keeping them from being considered an SSI recipient for Medicaid purposes, the bill would make sure that benefit does not hurt their Medicaid eligibility.

Who could be affected

The bill appears aimed at individuals who:

• receive child’s insurance benefits under Social Security;
• would qualify for SSI if those child’s insurance benefits were not counted; and
• are being evaluated for Medicaid eligibility under a state Medicaid plan or Medicaid waiver.

How it would work

The bill would amend the Social Security Act so that these individuals are considered to be receiving SSI for Medicaid eligibility purposes. That matters because SSI receipt can automatically or more easily connect a person to Medicaid eligibility in some cases.

When it would take effect

The change would apply to Medicaid eligibility determinations or redeterminations made on or after the date the bill is enacted.

Relevant Companies

None found