Texas approves a Medicaid Buy In Program

Medicaid Buy-In approved for children with disabilities

Texas families struggling to provide health insurance for their children with disabilities may soon be able to buy coverage through the state’s Medicaid program.
During the recent session of the Texas Legislature, lawmakers approved an exceptional item in the HHSC appropriation request calling for creation of a Medicaid Buy-In program for children with disabilities whose family incomes are below 300 percent of the federal poverty level. In real dollars that means a family of four with a disabled child and an annual income of $66,150 might qualify. Monthly premiums or cost-sharing payments paid by participating families would help offset some of the cost of the program.

HHSC will now begin work to develop rules for the program, set up eligibility criteria and plan for integration of the new program into HHSC’s eligibility system. At the same time, HHSC must secure approval of the federal Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services by way of an amendment to the Texas Medicaid State Plan. That process usually takes nine months to a year to complete.

The legislation projects the new Medicaid Buy-In program will serve more than 6,000 children each year once it’s fully implemented.
HHSC already administers a buy-in program for working adults with disabilities who are looking to access or continue Medicaid coverage. For more information on that program, visit the Frequently Asked Questions section of the Medicaid Buy-In website.

Seaton Foundation releases 3rd Edition on Life Long Planning

The Center for LifeLong Living and Planning announces publication of the third edition of “LifeLong Living & Planning for Individuals with Cognitive Disabilities”
Austin, Texas – April 27, 2009 – The Center for LifeLong Living and Planning, a program of the Seaton Foundation, is excited to announce the publication of the revised edition of its free informational booklet, “LifeLong Living and Planning for Individuals with Cognitive Disabilities.” The booklet provides families, guardians, caregivers and other professionals with a basic understanding of issues related to quality of life and long-term planning for individuals with brain injuries and other cognitive disabilities.
Featured authors include David Seaton, Harvey Jacobs, Janet M. Williams, Sandy Ransom, Al Condeluci, John Sassin, Stan Seaton, Randy Lewis, David B. Pharis, Deborah Green, Stephen C. Brewer and Steve Rhatigan.
The Seaton Foundation provides educational and training opportunities for caregivers and professionals who work with individuals affected by cognitive disabilities.
To request a copy, please contact LL@CLLP.org or call Laura Latham at 512-371-1078. A PDF version of the booklet can also be downloaded from http://www.cllp.org/.