HB 1229 is the bill that will change the way the Medicaid program is funded.The goal of the prime sponsor is to give the legislative branch more say in what programs are funded by Medicaid and the Children’s Health Insurance Program (CHIP).
The words in the bill state for any services that is “optional” to the state under Title XIX or Title XXI of the Social Security Act. The Department may NOT provide the services unless the service is authorized through a special appropriations bill.
The optional services under the Medicaid programming are physician assistants, prescription drugs, hospice and nursing services to just name a few. See below for a few more examples.
The bill passed off the House floor with almost a 2/3’s vote. 45 yeah, 23 nay and 2 excused.
