House Bill 340

Chair's Name: Sharon Cooper�s

Committee: Health & Human Services

House Sponsor: Glenn Richardson

HB 340 makes changes to the PeachCare for Kids Program. Beginning June 1, 2007, the threshold to be eligible for PeachCare is lowered from 235% of the federal poverty level to 200%. However, the Department of Community Health is authorized to change this threshold amount to any percentage between 185% and 225%.  Children who were already enrolled in the program before June 1 and whose family income falls between 200% and 235% of the federal poverty level, shall remain enrolled in the program so long as they continue to meet eligibility requirements. Other changes include requiring the program to offer benefits substantially the same as the state employees� health insurance (rather than Medicaid) and allowing the department to offer optional dental and vision coverage for an additional premium. The department is also required to contract to verify the eligibility (income and citizenship) of program participants.

Rep. Fran Millar will offer a floor amendment to require the department to offer the optional dental and vision coverage.

The committee substitute received a Do Pass recommendation from the Health & Human Services Committee and comes to the House Floor under the Modified Structured Rule. 

Senate Changes:

The Senate made extensive changes to HB 340: Allows children 18 and under in families with incomes below 125% of the federal poverty level to be eligible for Medicaid; provides PeachCare for children in families with incomes between 125% and 200% of the federal poverty level; includes vision and basic dental coverage (comprehensive dental care will be available at a rate not to exceed $15.00/month); co-payments of $25.00 for emergency room visits; payment of premiums at a rate of 1.5% of family income; develop policy for increased use of generic drugs; allows children in families with incomes between 200% and 235% to remain enrolled in the program as long as they meet eligibility requirements; creates the PeachCare Extended Program to provide benefits for children in families with incomes between 200% and 250% who are not eligible for Medicaid. The House will likely move to disagree.