2005 Testimony

Testimony Before The House Human Services Committee

Clara Sue Price, Chairman

Regarding House Bill 1249 - Transfers of assets and avoiding medical creditors

January 19, 2005

Chairman Price, members of the committee, I am Curtis Volesky, Director of Medicaid Eligibility for the Department of Human Services. I am here in support of HB 1249.

Section 1 of this bill requires the Department to seek a waiver of one of the provisions of the federal disqualifying transfer law. The federal disqualifying transfer provision has been frustrating to states because of apparent loopholes, so states such as Connecticut and Minnesota have requested waivers similar to the one required by section 1. None of the waivers relating to the transfer provision have been acted on as of this date, and we are not confident that they will be granted any time soon. If the Connecticut and Minnesota waivers are approved, however, there is little reason to believe our request for a waiver would not also be approved. We believe such a policy would discourage transfers and decrease future Medicaid costs.

I will be glad to answer any questions regarding my testimony. Thank you.

 

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