HR-1598 : Still Just a Bill

H.R. 1598, also known as the "Ensuring Access to Medicaid Buy-in Programs Act," proposes amendments to Title XIX of the Social Security Act. The bill aims to remove age restrictions on Medicaid eligibility for working adults with disabilities. The key provisions of the bill are:

• Modification of Optional Buy-In Groups: Removes the age restriction (under 65) for individuals with disabilities to be eligible for Medicaid under Section 1902(a)(10)(A)(ii)(XV) of the Social Security Act.
• Definition Modification: Amends Section 1905(v)(1)(A) of the Social Security Act to remove the age restriction (under 65) in the definition of individuals with disabilities eligible for Medicaid.
• Application to Certain States: States that already provide medical assistance to individuals with disabilities under subclause (XV) or (XVI) of section 1902(a)(10)(A)(ii) will not be penalized for non-compliance until January 1, 2027, giving them time to adjust to the new requirements.

In simple terms, this bill seeks to allow older working adults with disabilities to continue receiving Medicaid benefits, even after they turn 65, by removing existing age-based restrictions in the Social Security Act.