This bill amends the Human Services Code of Pennsylvania to enhance the verification of eligibility for public assistance, specifically regarding medical support for children. It introduces new requirements for applicants and recipients to cooperate with the department in securing medical support from the noncustodial parent of any child for whom medical assistance is sought. The bill stipulates that private agreements between custodial and noncustodial parents that result in the child foregoing available medical support are void and contrary to public policy. Additionally, it ensures that medical assistance is provided to the child without delay while the department assesses the noncustodial parent's ability to provide support.

The bill also outlines exceptions to these requirements, including cases where the custodial parent is a victim of domestic violence, where applying the requirements could endanger the child's well-being, or where pursuing medical support could harm either the child or the custodial parent. Furthermore, if the department finds that the noncustodial parent has withheld necessary information, that parent will be required to reimburse the department for the medical assistance costs incurred. The act is set to take effect 60 days after its passage.

Statutes/Laws affected:
Printer's No. 73 (Jan 14, 2025): P.L.31, No.21
Printer's No. 0073: P.L.31, No.21