The Work Incentives Improvement Act H.R. 1180 — Key Features
The Work Incentives Improvement Act H.R. 1180 — Key Features
State options:
— Medicaid expansion.
States may extend Medicaid benefits to disabled workers or those with a "medically improved disability" who have incomes up to 250% of the federal poverty level.
The bill also makes Medicaid available for such persons beyond the 250% threshold, though certain cost-sharing rules apply. A demonstration project allows states to provide Medicaid to workers with a "potentially severe disability." A potentially severe disability is an impairment that, but for Medicaid services, "is reasonably expected" to render a person blind or disabled.
— Grants.
Annual grants between $50,000 and $300,000 are available to states for planning and implementation activities related to the Work Incentives Improvement Act (WIIA). A total of $23 million is available nationally. In addition, the bill authorizes annual grants of $100,000 to about $250,000 for outreach to beneficiaries to notify them about the new benefits under the WIIA. Infrastructure grants of at least $50,000 annually are available to states to support structural changes to encourage the employment of disabled workers, provided the state offers personal attendant services under its Medicaid program.
The total amount available for infrastructure grants nationally is $20 million in fiscal year 2001, increasing each year to 2011.
- Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) extension.
Current rules allow SSDI recipients to receive free Medicare hospital benefits and the option to purchase Medicare physician benefits for about four years. The WIIA extends the provision to eight years.
- Expedited reinstatement.
If a recipient gives up SSDI benefits, reinstatement currently requires reconsideration of a new application, a process that may last several months. The WIIA provides for "expedited reinstatement" that restores SSDI benefits within one month.
- Continuing disability reviews.
Returning to work now triggers a "continuing disability review" for an SSDI recipient, in addition to regularly scheduled reviews of eligibility. Under the WIIA, resumption of work will not trigger an automatic continuing disability review, for a period of three to five years.
- Vocational rehabilitation.
The WIIA allows private-sector competition to conventional state-run vocational rehabilitation agencies.
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