Colorado House Bill 08-1072 was highlighted by Colorado State Senator Betty Boyd during a recent speech on the subject of Colorado Democrats' accomplishments during the 2008-2009 legislative session. HB 08-1072 allows individuals with disabilities who qualify for SSI in every aspect aside from income level to buy into Medicaid rather than lose their healthcare when returning to work.
Under HB 1072, which was signed into law during 2008, Coloradoans with disabilities who are between sixteen and sixty-five years of age and who are eligible for Supplemental Security Income aside from making too much money to qualify may now buy Medicaid coverage. Premiums will be determined on a sliding scale based on the recipient's income. People who make over $75,000 per year will be responsible for 100% of Medicaid premiums, while people making less will pay a portion of the total premium cost.
In addition, if an individual has access to private health insurance through an employer and the premium cost is less than the cost of providing Medicaid, HB 1072 enables the state to choose to pay the private insurer's premiums rather than providing Medicaid to that individual. However, if the private health plan provides fewer benefits than Medicaid, Medicaid must provide all additional benefits not covered by the employer-sponsored insurance.
What do you think? Is this bill the key to freeing Colorado's citizens with disabilities and encouraging them to return to work or go to work for the first time? Or is it an undue burden on taxpayers during a recession?
Related: A Disaboom member describes the problem with attempting to work while receiving SSI, and the benefit cuts associated with working as an SSI recipient.
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