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House Co-Sponsorship Memoranda
House of Representatives
Session of 2013 - 2014
Regular Session
MEMORANDUM
| Posted: | January 18, 2013 03:54 PM |
|---|---|
| From: | Representative Mark B. Cohen |
| To: | All House members |
| Subject: | Reintroduction of HB 732 - Inmate Medical Assistance |
I will soon re-introduce legislation (HB 732) that would maintain an inmate’s eligibility for Medical Assistance throughout their incarceration so they may receive services upon release without a lapse in benefits. Most, but not all, county jail officials promptly allow released inmates in receipt of Medical Assistance to return to the Medical Assistance rolls. Inmates do not qualify for assistance while they are in jail. Yet, some jail officials terminate, rather than suspend, an inmate’s Medical Assistance benefits. Thus, a released inmate has to reapply for benefits. This could be harmful for someone with medical needs during the period while awaiting reinstatement. This bill would require jail officials to either suspend, but not terminate, Medical Assistance benefits, and/or create a system for inmates prior to release that would allow for reinstatement upon release, and/or allow an inmate to remain enrolled on Medical Assistance. A jail official would not be allowed to terminate the Medical Assistance benefits of an inmate. This is the same as HB 732 from last session with the following co-sponsors: MYERS, CALTAGIRONE, WHEATLEY, PAYTON, McGEEHAN, JOSEPHS, CURRY AND V. BROWN. If you have any questions, please contact Kathy Seidl of my office at kseidl@pahouse.net or 787-4117. |
Introduced as HB781