Care for Military Kids Act

The "Care for Military Kids Act" proposes amendments to Title XIX of the Social Security Act, specifically targeting Medicaid State plan requirements for military families. Its primary goal is to ensure that active duty military personnel and their dependents do not experience disruptions in Medicaid coverage or access to essential services when they relocate to a new state due to military orders. This legislation aims to streamline the process for determining residency and maintaining continuity of care for these families. Beginning January 1, 2028, the bill mandates that states treat an "active duty relocated individual" as a resident for Medicaid eligibility, unless they elect otherwise. This applies to active duty service members, those who recently left service, and their dependents who relocate. A key 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 eligibility is determined or they opt out. The bill further requires payment for medical assistance furnished in the new military service relocation state, provided such assistance is available and consistent with Secretarial guidance. An "active duty relocated individual" is defined as a military service member or dependent relocating due to active duty, who was either receiving or on a waiting list for HCBS. To support implementation, $1,000,000 is appropriated annually for fiscal years 2026 through 2030 to the Secretary of Health and Human Services.