(1) It is the intent of the legislature to
remove barriers to employment for individuals with disabilities
by providing medical assistance to the working disabled through a buy-in program in accordance with section
1902(a)(10)(A)(ii) of the social security act and eligibility and
cost-sharing requirements established by the department.
(2) The department shall establish income, resource, and
cost-sharing requirements for the buy-in program in accordance
with federal law and any conditions or limitations specified in
the omnibus appropriations act. The department shall establish
and modify eligibility and cost-sharing requirements in order to
administer the program within available funds. The department
shall make every effort to coordinate benefits with
employer-sponsored coverage available to the working disabled receiving benefits under this chapter.
[2001 2nd sp.s. c 15 § 2.]
NOTES:
Findings -- Intent -- 2001 2nd sp.s. c 15: "The legislature
finds that individuals with disabilities face many barriers and
disincentives to employment. Individuals with disabilities are
often unable to obtain health insurance that provides the
services and supports necessary to allow them to live
independently and enter or rejoin the workforce. The legislature
finds that there is a compelling public interest in eliminating
barriers to work by continuing needed health care coverage for
individuals with disabilities who enter and maintain employment.
The legislature intends to strengthen the state's policy of
supporting individuals with disabilities in leading fully
productive lives by supporting the implementation of the federal
ticket to work and work incentives improvement act of 1999,
Public Law 106-170. This shall include improving incentives to
work by continuing coverage for health care and support services,
by seeking federal funding for innovative programs, and by
exploring options which provide individuals with disabilities a
choice in receiving services needed to obtain and maintain
employment." [2001 2nd sp.s. c 15 § 1.]