FIRST REGULAR SESSION

HOUSE BILL NO. 949

93RD GENERAL ASSEMBLY

INTRODUCED BY REPRESENTATIVES WALTON (Sponsor),

JACKSON AND BOYKINS (Co-sponsors).

         Read 1^st time March 31, 2005 and copies ordered printed.

STEPHEN S. DAVIS, Chief Clerk

2221L.01I

AN ACT

To amend chapter 208, RSMo, by adding thereto one new section relating to medical assistance.

Be it enacted by the General Assembly of the state of Missouri, as follows:

            Section A. Chapter 208, RSMo, is amended by adding thereto one new section, to be known as section 208.143, to read as follows:

            208.143. 1. The family support division shall, in accordance with the provisions of section 208.215, determine whether persons applying for and/or receiving Medicaid benefits is eligible for medical services from the United States Department of Veterans Affairs (VA). If an applicant or recipient is eligible for such VA medical services, the division shall urge and encourage the applicant or recipient to receive medical services as a person eligible for VA benefits. Nothing in this section shall be construed as requiring an applicant or recipient of medical assistance benefit to exhaust any VA benefits prior to receipt of any state medical assistance benefits.

            2. The family support division shall consult with the United States Department of Veterans Affairs regarding a method of determining whether an applicant or recipient of state medical assistance benefits is eligible for VA benefits.