Idaho lawmakers have approved a plan to charge premiums to families who get government-covered health care that allows severely disabled children to be cared for at home rather than in an institution.
Under the plan, the Idaho Department of Health and Welfare will start charging the monthly premium based on a family’s income. But lawmakers said paying the premium will be optional for all parents who take part in the Katie Beckett program, and Health and Welfare doesn’t plan to pursue unpaid claims.
The Katie Beckett program provides medical coverage to about 2,100 Idaho children with disabilities, including those who don’t qualify for regular Medicaid coverage.
The House Health and Welfare Committee approved the plan this week as a state agency rule, meaning it becomes law without having to be approved by either the House or Senate.
The Katie Beckett program costs the state $37 million annually, and Health and Welfare estimates the premiums will bring in $210,000.
The premiums range from nothing for some families, up to 5 percent for families whose gross monthly income is more than 900 percent of the federal poverty limit.
Health and Welfare said a family without private insurance earning the state median income of $58,066 would pay $73 per month. (AP)
