Statutorily requires the Medicaid spend-down level to be equal to the current federal poverty level.

A BILL FOR AN ACT

SECTION 1. Chapter 346, Hawaii Revised Statutes, is amended by adding a new section to be appropriately designated and to read as follows:

"§346- QUEST-spenddown program; eligibility. In determining eligibility due to excess income for the QUEST-spenddown program, the department shall apply a medically needy standard that is equal to the current federal poverty level for a family of the same size."

SECTION 2. There is appropriated out of the general revenues of the State of Hawaii the sum of $ or so much thereof as may be necessary for fiscal year 2006-2007 for the QUEST-spenddown program.

The sum appropriated shall be expended by the department of human services for the purposes of this Act.

SECTION 3. New statutory material is underscored.

SECTION 4. This Act shall take effect on July 1, 2006.