S. 2071: Disaster Relief Medicaid Act (119th Congress) Bill Summary

The Disaster Relief Medicaid Act aims to provide support to individuals affected by disasters through Medicaid assistance. It simplifies the process for disaster survivors to access healthcare by ensuring that they are eligible for Medicaid during specific disaster relief periods. The federal government will fully fund these services for states during these designated relief times, ensuring that individuals can receive necessary medical care without financial strain.

Key Features of the Bill

**Medicaid Assistance**: The act allows for streamlined applications for Medicaid for those impacted by disasters, ensuring that survivors can quickly access healthcare services.
**Continuous Eligibility**: It offers continuous eligibility for Medicaid, meaning that individuals will remain covered without interruption during the relief period.
**Mental Health Services**: There are specific provisions for coverage of mental health services, addressing the psychological impact of disasters on survivors.

Medicare Part B Changes

The bill also makes amendments to Medicare Part B. It specifies that periods of disaster relief will not count against individuals in terms of late enrollment penalties. This means that survivors of disasters can enroll in Medicare without facing financial penalties due to missed deadlines during their recovery.

Evaluation and Reporting

The Disaster Relief Medicaid Act includes provisions for a multi-year evaluation to assess its impact on disaster survivors and healthcare systems. The results of this evaluation will be reported to the relevant authorities within set timelines, ensuring accountability and informing future adjustments to the act.

Implementation Timeline

The act is set to take effect upon its enactment. However, there might be delays for compliance at the state level, allowing states time to adjust their systems in line with the new requirements.

Funding

The funding for the Medicaid assistance during disaster periods will primarily come from federal sources, which aims to alleviate the financial burden on state budgets while ensuring comprehensive care for affected individuals.