Labor & Employment (People with Disabilities)

Extends child care subsidies to disabled parents or guardians, regardless of their employment status. Requires the Department of Human Services to evaluate caregiver capacity and dependent-care responsibilities when determining eligibility for medicaid home- and community-based services. Requires the Department of Human Services to update its evaluation form and functional assessment protocols related to level of care and at-risk needs determinations. Appropriates funds.

SB 451 would require the Department of Human Services to establish a Medicaid buy-in program, enabling working people with disabilities to maintain health coverage without losing Medicaid benefits when they earn income. This program would allow individuals to pay a portion of the cost to stay enrolled in Medicaid while working, rather than losing coverage as earnings increase. The bill is scheduled to take effect on December 31, 2050, but remains under review by the Health and Human Services committee. It directly affects working adults with disabilities who currently face coverage gaps when earning above Medicaid income limits.