This bill proposes to amend Title XIX of the Social Security Act, which governs Medicaid, to address healthcare coverage challenges faced by military families who relocate due to active duty service. The primary goal is to ensure seamless access to medical assistance and specialized services for these families by establishing specific State plan requirements. Specifically, the legislation mandates that, starting January 1, 2028, States must treat an active duty relocated individual as a resident for Medicaid eligibility unless they opt out. This includes active duty service members, those recently separated, and their dependents who move to a new State. A crucial provision ensures that if such an individual was on a home and community-based services (HCBS) waiting list in their previous State, they remain on that list in the new State until an eligibility decision is made or they choose to be removed. The bill defines an "active duty relocated individual" as someone enrolled in or eligible for the State plan, who is a service member or dependent relocating due to active duty, and was either receiving HCBS or on an HCBS waiting list. It also clarifies that a "home and community-based services waiting list" applies to States with limits on HCBS slots. To support implementation, the bill appropriates $1,000,000 annually for fiscal years 2026 through 2030 to the Secretary of Health and Human Services.
This bill proposes to amend Title XIX of the Social Security Act, which governs Medicaid, to address healthcare coverage challenges faced by military families who relocate due to active duty service. The primary goal is to ensure seamless access to medical assistance and specialized services for these families by establishing specific State plan requirements. Specifically, the legislation mandates that, starting January 1, 2028, States must treat an active duty relocated individual as a resident for Medicaid eligibility unless they opt out. This includes active duty service members, those recently separated, and their dependents who move to a new State. A crucial provision ensures that if such an individual was on a home and community-based services (HCBS) waiting list in their previous State, they remain on that list in the new State until an eligibility decision is made or they choose to be removed. The bill defines an "active duty relocated individual" as someone enrolled in or eligible for the State plan, who is a service member or dependent relocating due to active duty, and was either receiving HCBS or on an HCBS waiting list. It also clarifies that a "home and community-based services waiting list" applies to States with limits on HCBS slots. To support implementation, the bill appropriates $1,000,000 annually for fiscal years 2026 through 2030 to the Secretary of Health and Human Services.