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Disaster Relief Medicaid Act: New Healthcare Access for Survivors

This act introduces new rules for Medicaid access for individuals affected by disasters and emergencies. It simplifies obtaining healthcare benefits, including home-based and mental health care, for residents of disaster-stricken areas and those who lost employment due to a disaster. States will receive full federal funding for these services.
Key points
Expanded Medicaid Access: Individuals affected by disasters, including those with lower incomes, children, pregnant individuals, and people with disabilities, can more easily access medical assistance.
Simplified Applications and Immediate Aid: The act introduces streamlined application forms and allows for immediate medical assistance (presumptive eligibility) after a disaster.
Long-Term Support: Medical assistance will be available for two years from the disaster declaration, with potential extensions for pregnant individuals and those awaiting permanent eligibility decisions.
Mental Health and Home Care Support: States can offer extended mental health and care coordination services, as well as home and community-based services, without additional restrictions.
Full Federal Funding: The federal government will cover 100% of medical assistance and administrative costs for disaster survivors, easing the financial burden on states.
Protection from Medicare Part B Late Enrollment Penalties: The disaster relief coverage period will not count towards the period for which late enrollment penalties for Medicare Part B are calculated.
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Additional Information
Print number: 118_HR_6029
Sponsor: Rep. Panetta, Jimmy [D-CA-19]
Process start date: 2023-10-25
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Summarized by: gemini-2.5-flash-preview-05-20
Source data: api.congress.gov
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OFFICIAL LEGAL TITLE

Disaster Relief Medicaid Act

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

What is the official ID of this bill?

The official print number for this legislation is 118_HR_6029.

Which chamber initiated this legislation?

This legislation was initiated in the House of Representatives.

When did the legislative process begin?

The process officially started on 2023-10-25.

What are the main provisions?

Key points include:

  • Expanded Medicaid Access: Individuals affected by disasters, including those with lower incomes, children, pregnant individuals, and people with disabilities, can more easily access medical assistance.
  • Simplified Applications and Immediate Aid: The act introduces streamlined application forms and allows for immediate medical assistance (presumptive eligibility) after a disaster.
  • Long-Term Support: Medical assistance will be available for two years from the disaster declaration, with potential extensions for pregnant individuals and those awaiting permanent eligibility decisions.
  • Mental Health and Home Care Support: States can offer extended mental health and care coordination services, as well as home and community-based services, without additional restrictions.
  • Full Federal Funding: The federal government will cover 100% of medical assistance and administrative costs for disaster survivors, easing the financial burden on states.
  • Protection from Medicare Part B Late Enrollment Penalties: The disaster relief coverage period will not count towards the period for which late enrollment penalties for Medicare Part B are calculated.
What is the specific legal status?

The current status is Expired.

Where can I read the full text of this legislation?

The full official text is available at: View full text

Who is the primary sponsor?

The primary sponsor is Rep. Panetta, Jimmy [D-CA-19].

What is the latest detailed status?

The latest detailed status is: Referred to the Subcommittee on Health.

Is this summary verified?

Yes. This content was analyzed by AI and verified by the Lustra Judge System on 2025-12-25.

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Health Benefits