This bill amends sections 50-24.1-02.6 and 50-24.1-26 of the North Dakota Century Code, focusing on medical assistance benefits and Medicaid waivers. A significant addition to the eligibility criteria for medical assistance benefits is the requirement for the department to disregard social security survivor income and court-ordered child support for children under eighteen enrolled in a Medicaid waiver under section 1915(c) of the Social Security Act. Additionally, the bill specifies that the department shall provide medical assistance benefits to pregnant women who are lawfully present in the United States and may require individuals eligible for Medicare to apply for such coverage.

In terms of Medicaid waivers, the bill updates the age limit for children diagnosed with an autism spectrum disorder from "up to the age of eighteen" to "under the age of twenty-one," ensuring that these children who would otherwise meet institutional level of care can receive in-home services. The department is also given the authority to prioritize waiver applicants based on the degree of need for children with extraordinary medical needs. The provisions of this bill are set to take effect on July 1, 2026.

Statutes affected:
PREFILED: 50-24.1-02.6, 50-24.1-26
Adopted by the House Human Services Committee: 50-24.1-02.6, 50-24.1-26
FIRST ENGROSSMENT: 50-24.1-02.6, 50-24.1-26
Enrollment: 50-24.1-02.6, 50-24.1-26
INTRODUCED: 50-24.1-02.6, 50-24.1-26