HF665

This bill, proposed by Representatives Hicks and Curran, aims to adjust the income eligibility requirements for individuals who are aged, blind, or have disabilities in Minnesota seeking medical assistance. The bill specifies that:

1. Individuals eligible under specific provisions can have an income up to 100% of the federal poverty guidelines. Recipients of Supplemental Security Income (SSI) may have an income equivalent to the SSI standards effective each January beginning in 2000.
2. Parents or caretaker relatives can have an income up to 133% of the federal poverty guidelines.
3. Certain other individuals, including children and young adults, may also qualify for medical assistance with incomes that vary up to 275% of the federal poverty guidelines depending on their age and household size.
4. Specific rules are delineated for disregarding certain types of income or costs like veteran benefits and Medicare premiums, to ensure fairness in calculating eligibility.

This proposal is now under review by the Committee on Health Finance and Policy. It aims to modify the current laws to potentially expand access to medical assistance by updating income standards and clarifications in how income is calculated for eligibility.