The bill amends Section 40-8.5-1 of the General Laws in Chapter 40-8.5, entitled "Health Care for Elderly and Disabled Residents Act." It authorizes the Department of Human Services to amend its Title XIX state plan to change the eligibility criteria for categorically needy medical assistance coverage. The amendments include an increase in the income limit for disabled individuals from 100% to 180% of the federal poverty level. Additionally, the bill removes the age specification of 65 years or older for disabled individuals, while maintaining the resource limit of $4,000 for an individual and $6,000 for a couple.

The bill also introduces a new provision specifically for individuals who are 65 years or older, setting their income eligibility limit at 100% of the federal poverty level with the same resource limits as for disabled individuals. The medical assistance coverage provided to both elderly and disabled persons under these amendments will be of the same amount, duration, and scope as that provided to other categorically needy persons under the state's Title XIX state plan. The act will take effect upon passage.

Statutes affected:
5391: 40-8.5-1