S.1855 - Care for Military Kids Act (119th Congress)
Summary
S.1855, the Care for Military Kids Act, aims to amend Title XIX of the Social Security Act to address residency and Medicaid coverage for military families who relocate due to active duty. The bill ensures that active duty relocated individuals are treated as residents for Medicaid eligibility, unless they opt out. It also addresses the continuity of home and community-based services (HCBS) for those on waiting lists during relocation.
Expected Effects
This bill will likely streamline Medicaid coverage for military families who frequently relocate, reducing administrative burdens and ensuring continuous access to healthcare services. It specifically protects access to home and community-based services for those who need them. The bill allocates $1 million per year from 2026-2030 for implementation.
Potential Benefits
- Ensures continuous Medicaid coverage for military families relocating due to active duty.
- Protects access to home and community-based services (HCBS) for relocated individuals on waiting lists.
- Reduces administrative burdens associated with establishing residency for Medicaid eligibility in new states.
- Provides funding for implementation, ensuring the changes can be effectively managed.
- Promotes the well-being of military families by addressing their unique healthcare needs.
Potential Disadvantages
- The $1 million annual funding may be insufficient to fully cover the implementation costs across all states.
- States may face challenges in coordinating Medicaid coverage across state lines.
- There could be potential delays in implementation if state legislation is required.
- The definition of 'dependent' is left to the Secretary, which could lead to inconsistent application.
- The bill's impact is limited to Medicaid and does not address other healthcare challenges faced by military families.
Constitutional Alignment
The bill aligns with the General Welfare Clause of the Constitution, as it seeks to promote the well-being of military families by ensuring access to healthcare. It also aligns with Congress's power to provide for the common defense by supporting military readiness and the well-being of military personnel and their families. The bill does not appear to infringe upon any specific constitutional rights or limitations.
Impact Assessment: Things You Care About ⓘ
This action has been evaluated across 19 key areas that matter to you. Scores range from 1 (highly disadvantageous) to 5 (highly beneficial).