Vote Smart's Synopsis:

Vote to pass a bill that expands Medicaid eligibility to individuals with incomes that do not exceed 133% of the federal poverty line.

Highlights:

• Expands Medicaid coverage to include individuals with incomes less than or equal to 133% of the federal poverty level (FPL) (Sec. 1).

• Specifies that an individual with an income below the FPL is not required to pay a monthly premium to receive Medicaid benefits but is required to make copayments for covered services (Sec. 1).

• Requires a participant of the expanded Medicaid program with an income above the FPL, but not higher than 133% of the FPL, to pay a monthly premium and make co-payments not exceeding 5% of their income (Sec. 1).

• Requires applicants, who are not disabled, to be employed up to 32 hours per week, be a full-time student, or be enrolled in a full-time career-technical training program (Sec. 1).

• Authorizes individuals with incomes of at least 133% of the FPL to receive assistance with premiums as a Medicaid benefit, so long as they are employed and eligible for an employer-sponsored group health plan that does not exceed 9.5% of their income (Sec. 1).

• Prohibits the expanded Medicaid program during any period in which the federal government provides less than 90% of the costs (Sec. 1).

• Appropriates $1.5 million from the Medicaid Expansion Reserve Account to the Department of Health to be used only for the purpose of expanding Medicaid (Sec. 3).

Full Bill Text