Bill No.: HB0092                  Drafter:  JWL

LSO No.:  09LSO-0249              Effective Date:  7/1/2009

Enrolled Act No.:  HEA0066

Chapter No.:       107

Prime Sponsor:     Representative Landon

Catch Title:       Long-term care partnership program.

Subject:  Implements a Medicaid/private long term care insurance program.

Summary/Major Elements:

· Current Medicaid law requires that a person liquidate non-exempt property in order to qualify for Medicaid long-term care coverage.

· This act:

· Creates the Wyoming Long-Term Care Partnership Program to encourage the purchase of qualified private long-term care insurance;

· Provides a mechanism for individuals to qualify for coverage of long-term care needs under Medicaid without first being required to substantially exhaust their resources;

· Provides eligibility for long-term care under Medicaid, while disregarding the value of assets equal to benefits received under a private long-term care policy;

· Directs the Department of Health to request a Medicaid state plan amendment by January 1, 2010 to implement the program;

· Provides for coordination and reciprocity with long-term care partnership programs in other states.

Comments:

· Creates the Wyoming Long-Term Care Partnership Program.