SB 299, a bill to prohibit denial of medical assistance to a minor in detention pending adjudication was heard on March 21. Association of Oregon Counties (AOC), is supportive of this measure.
The bill was introduced by Senator Hansell, and continues on work he did to relieve burden on counties for cost of care in detention facilities in the 2017 Legislative Session through SB 368. The 2017 legislation prohibits an insurer from denying a claim for health care reimbursement for services provided to an insured person in a detention facility pending adjudication by a juvenile court. Counties were paying medical bills for those described under the legislation, and while this policy helped relieve cost to counties, the bill did not apply to minors who are covered under the Oregon Health Plan (Medicaid) because of Medicaid rules.
SB 299 requires the Oregon Health Authority (OHA) to seek a federal waiver for approval on Medicaid to support the cost of providing that medical assistance to minors in detention pending adjudication.
On behalf of AOC, Legislative Affairs Manager Andy Smith testified in support of the measure. In his oral testimony, Andy noted:
- SB 299 encourages OHA to get more federal Medicaid dollars by seeking an 1115 waiver with the federal government.
- Medicaid funds have not been traditionally accessed in the past to serve inmates where an individual is in custody, but Medicaid has issued guidance in the past, and exceptions can be made.
- The system is very complicated, but this bill helps Oregon be innovative on these issues and leverage dollars in unique ways.
AOC’s written testimony can be found here.
Contributed by: Megan Chuinard | Public Affairs Associate