Sec. 32.0247. MEDICAL ASSISTANCE FOR CERTAIN PERSONS MAKING TRANSITION FROM FOSTER CARE TO INDEPENDENT LIVING. (a) In this section, "independent foster care adolescent" has the meaning assigned by 42 U.S.C. Section 1396d(w)(1), as amended.
(b) The commission shall provide medical assistance, in accordance with commission rules, to an independent foster care adolescent who:
(1) is not otherwise eligible for medical assistance; and
(2) is not covered by a health benefits plan offering adequate benefits, as determined by the commission.
(c) To the extent allowed by federal law, the executive commissioner shall by rule establish a specific set of income, assets, or resources allowable for recipients under this section. The income level shall not be less than 200 percent or more than 400 percent of the federal poverty level. Allowable asset or resource levels shall not be less than:
(1) the levels allowed for individuals who are in foster care; and
(2) the levels allowed for a person under 19 years of age who is eligible for the medical assistance program.
(d) In setting allowable income, asset, or resource levels, the executive commissioner shall, to the extent allowed by federal law, exclude:
(1) any financial benefit used for the purpose of educational or vocational training, such as scholarships, student loans, or grants;
(2) any financial benefit used for the purpose of housing; and
(3) any grants or subsidies obtained as a result of the Foster Care Independence Act of 1999 (Pub. L. No. 106-169).
(e) The Department of Family and Protective Services shall certify the income, assets, or resources of each individual on the date the individual exits substitute care. An individual qualifying for medical assistance as established by this section shall remain eligible for 12 calendar months after certification and after each recertification.
(f) The recertification process for individuals who are eligible for medical assistance under this section shall include the option of recertifying by mail or phone.
Added by Acts 2001, 77th Leg., ch. 1218, Sec. 1, eff. Sept. 1, 2001.
Amended by:
Acts 2015, 84th Leg., R.S., Ch. 1 (S.B. 219), Sec. 4.087, eff. April 2, 2015.
Section: Previous 32.024 32.0241 32.0242 32.0243 32.0244 32.0245 32.02451 32.0247 32.02471 32.025 32.0251 32.0255 32.026 32.0261 32.02611 NextLast modified: September 28, 2016