Date: 10/03/2006
Final
Bill 6
HEALTH CARE TASK FORCE
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01:52 PM
Senator Sandoval briefly stated Bill 6 would allow a persons under 21 years of age, who were in the foster care system and who turned 18 or otherwise became emancipated, to continue to be eligible for Medicaid (Attachment E). Senator Johnson asked for clarification on whether a 19 year old who was not in a foster care would qualify. Senator Sandoval stated that they would not, however the children in foster care are put out on the street once they reach 18. The committee asked Senator Sandoval how much the bill would cost. She stated that she would like the bill to move forward so the cost could be calculated. Representative Todd asked if there was a time frame for how long a child needs to be in foster care to qualify. Senator Sandoval stated the child would have to be in foster care at age 18. In response to a question from the committee, Senator Sandoval explained that the bill was important because many people in the Department of Corrections have been foster children that were never adopted and are on medications to stabilize them. So when these children are kicked out it and cannot obtain their medication, it causes problems.
02:01 PM
Senator Keller mentioned to the committee that she had spoke with the department about whether there is a current transition program for these children. She stated that she was waiting for a response and would like to wait to vote on the bill until she hears from the department. Representative Frangas took the bill off the table until the department could get a response to the committee.