SB 18-214

Senate Bill 18-214, also known as the Request Self-sufficiency Waiver Medicaid Program, aims to change Colorado's Medicaid program by requiring able-bodied adults to either work, seek employment, attend job training, or volunteer at a nonprofit organization in order to be eligible for benefits. The bill also introduces monthly income verification and imposes lifetime limits on Medicaid benefits of 5 years. Additionally, it allows the state to charge copayments to discourage unnecessary use of emergency services. This bill has been signed into law, meaning these changes could soon affect those who rely on Colorado's Medicaid program for healthcare coverage.

Official Summary

The bill directs the department of health care policy and financing (department) to prepare and submit a waiver to the federal government requesting authority to implement certain self-sufficiency provisions as part of the Colorado medical assistance program (medicaid). The bill: Requires able-bodied adults as a condition of eligibility for medicaid to become employed, actively seek employment, attend job or vocational training, or volunteer at a nonprofit organization; except that this requirement does not apply to certain persons specified in the bill; Requires able-bodied adults to verify income monthly for determination of eligibility; Authorizes the department to prohibit enrollment in medicaid if a person fails to report a change in family income or makes a false statement regarding compliance with the work requirement; Establishes a lifetime limit on medicaid benefits of 5 years, and includes persons excepted from the limit; and Authorizes the department to impose copayments to deter the use of emergency departments and ambulance services for nonemergency services and nonemergency transportation. The bill requires the department to report to the general assembly regarding the preparation, submission, approval, implementation, and outcome of the self-sufficiency waiver provisions. (Note: This summary applies to this bill as introduced.) , Read More