S. 1855: Care for Military Kids Act

This bill, titled the Care for Military Kids Act, proposes amendments to the Social Security Act to enhance Medicaid coverage for military families, particularly those affected by relocation due to active duty service. Here are the key components of the bill:

Purpose of the Bill

The primary goal of the bill is to streamline and clarify the process by which military families can access medical assistance and home and community-based services through Medicaid when they relocate due to military orders.

Key Provisions

• Treatment as Residents: Beginning on January 1, 2028, a military family member who relocates due to active duty will be considered a resident of their new state for Medicaid purposes, unless they choose not to be.
• Home and Community-Based Services Waiting List: If a relocated military family member is on a waiting list for home and community-based services, they will remain on that list until the state assesses their eligibility after a slot becomes available.
• Payment for Medical Assistance: The bill also stipulates that Medicaid payments for medical assistance for active duty relocated individuals will be provided in the state to which they have moved, in line with state availability of that assistance.

Definitions

• Active Duty Relocated Individual: This term refers to active duty military personnel and their dependents who either relocate due to military service or are recently discharged and move within 12 months of their service.
• Home and Community-Based Services Waiting List: This refers to a list maintained by states for individuals requesting home and community-based services but who have not yet been assessed for eligibility due to state-imposed limits on services.

Implementation Funding

The bill allocates $1,000,000 each year from 2026 through 2030 to the Secretary of Health and Human Services to help implement these changes.

Effective Date

The amendments proposed by this bill would take effect upon its enactment, although states that require legislative changes to comply with these new requirements will have up to one year to adjust their state plans.

Relevant Companies

None found