Senator Hutchison Introduces Legislation to Enroll Hurricane Evacuees in Texas Medicaid System with Full Reimbursement

SENATOR HUTCHISON INTRODUCES LEGISLATION TO ENROLL HURRICANE EVACUEES
IN TEXAS MEDICAID SYSTEM WITH FULL REIMBURSEMENT

U.S. Senator Kay Bailey Hutchison (R-TX), Vice Chairman of the Senate Republican Conference, today introduced legislation to enroll the victims of Hurricane Katrina in the Texas Medicaid system with full reimbursement to the state.

"Texans have opened their doors and their hearts to our neighbors in need," Sen. Hutchison said. "While the evacuees must receive the quality care they deserve, Texans should not be expected to bear the burden of these costs. I will work with my fellow members of leadership to ensure America takes care of Texas while Texans are taking care of their fellow Americans."

Senator Hutchison's bill would:

* Enroll evacuees into the Texas Medicaid and SCHIP programs with full federal reimbursement, for a limited amount of time - the sooner of six months or the lifting of the disaster area declaration with President Bush having authority to extend coverage for up to an additional six months;

* Waive current state eligibility criteria to allow coverage for all evacuees and for medically necessary services for the evacuee, including access to mental health services;

* Exclude the disaster period in computing any Medicare Part B late enrollment penalties for evacuees;

* Extend for evacuees the enrollment period in Medicare Part D for one year.

On Monday, September 12, Sen. Hutchison introduced four Katrina-related bills that would cut red tape so that relief can continue to reach victims in an efficient manner. For more information on those bills, please call Sen. Hutchison's press office at (202) 224-9767.

http://hutchison.senate.gov/prl731.htm