H.R.3399 - Care for Military Kids Act of 2025 (119th Congress)
Summary
H.R.3399, the Care for Military Kids Act of 2025, aims to amend Title XIX of the Social Security Act. The bill focuses on establishing state plan requirements for determining residency and Medicaid coverage for military families who relocate due to active duty service. It ensures that military families, particularly those with members receiving or waiting for home and community-based services, are treated as residents for Medicaid eligibility purposes in their new state.
Expected Effects
This bill will likely improve healthcare access for military families who frequently relocate, ensuring continuity of care, especially for those with special needs. States will be required to treat active duty relocated individuals as residents for Medicaid eligibility, streamlining the process. The bill also allocates $1 million per year from 2026-2030 to the Department of Health and Human Services for implementation.
Potential Benefits
- Ensures continuous Medicaid coverage for military families relocating due to active duty.
- Protects access to home and community-based services for military families with special needs.
- Streamlines residency requirements for Medicaid eligibility, reducing administrative burdens.
- Provides financial support to states for implementing the new requirements.
- Enhances the well-being of military families by addressing their unique healthcare challenges.
Potential Disadvantages
- Potential increased costs for states due to expanded Medicaid coverage.
- Administrative complexities in coordinating healthcare services across state lines.
- Possible delays in implementation if state legislation is required.
- The $1 million annual funding may be insufficient to cover all implementation costs for all states.
- May create disparities if some states are more efficient in implementing the changes than others.
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. While the Constitution does not explicitly address healthcare, the Necessary and Proper Clause (Article I, Section 8) grants Congress the power to enact laws necessary to carry out its enumerated powers, including providing for the general welfare. 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).