Care for Military Kids Act
The Care for Military Kids Act would amend the Medicaid program (Title XIX of the Social Security Act) to change how residency and coverage are determined for military families when a service member relocates to another state. Starting January 1, 2028, an “active duty relocated individual” would automatically be treated as a resident of the new state for purposes of determining eligibility for Medicaid and related home and community-based services (HCBS), unless the individual chooses not to be treated as a resident. The bill also requires that if such an individual is on an HCBS waiting list at relocation, they remain on the list until a state assessment and eligibility decision is completed (or until they elect to be removed). Additionally, the bill directs Medicaid to provide available HCBS and related medical assistance in the new state as guided by federal rules to ensure access. The measure includes a dedicated funding mechanism to implement these changes and provides a defined phased-in approach if a state needs new legislation to comply. Overall, it aims to streamline eligibility and access to HCBS for military families moving across state lines due to active duty.
Key Points
- 1Residency reclassification for military relocations: Beginning in 2028, an active duty relocated individual is treated as a resident of the new state for Medicaid eligibility purposes unless they opt out.
- 2HCBS waiting lists protection: If the relocated individual is on an HCBS waiting list at relocation, they must remain on the list until a state assessment/eligibility decision is made or they choose to be removed; they cannot be dropped solely due to relocation.
- 3Scope of who is covered: The term “active duty relocated individual” includes active-duty service members who move to another state, those who recently retired (within 12 months), and dependents relocating with such members, who were or would be enrolled in HCBS.
- 4Funding for implementation: The bill authorizes $1,000,000 per fiscal year (2026–2030) from the Treasury to the Secretary of Health and Human Services to implement the amendments.
- 5Effective date and transition: The changes take effect on enactment, with a transition provision allowing a delay if a state plan requires additional state legislation (to avoid noncompliance penalties while the state legislature acts).