2026 -- H 7631

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LC004349

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     STATE OF RHODE ISLAND

IN GENERAL ASSEMBLY

JANUARY SESSION, A.D. 2026

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A N   A C T

RELATING TO PUBLIC OFFICERS AND EMPLOYEES -- MEDICARE ENROLLMENT

     Introduced By: Representatives Alzate, Morales, Furtado, McGaw, Shanley, and Batista

     Date Introduced: February 11, 2026

     Referred To: House Health & Human Services

     It is enacted by the General Assembly as follows:

     SECTION 1. Chapter 36-12.2 of the General Laws entitled "Medicare Enrollment" is

hereby amended by adding thereto the following section:

     36-12.2-2. Medicare eligibility.

     (a) Notwithstanding the provisions of any other general or public law to the contrary, in

determining eligibility for the Qualified Medicare Beneficiary, Specified Low-Income Medicare

Beneficiary and Qualified Individual programs, described in 42 U.S.C. 1396a(a)(10)(E), also

known as the Medicare Saving or Medicare Buy-In programs, the Rhode Island executive office of

health and human services (EOHHS) shall disregard all assets or resources. Implementation of this

subsection shall be contingent upon receiving federal approvals described in subsection (b) of this

section.

     (b) Prior to implementing subsection (a) of this section, the EOHHS shall obtain all

required federal approvals including, amending its state plan, as necessary, and shall promulgate

regulations to implement this section.

     SECTION 2. This act shall take effect upon passage.

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LC004349

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EXPLANATION

BY THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL

OF

A N   A C T

RELATING TO PUBLIC OFFICERS AND EMPLOYEES -- MEDICARE ENROLLMENT

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     This act would require the EOHHS to disregard an individual’s assets or resources, when

determining an individual’s eligibility for any Medicare beneficiary program, contingent on federal

approval.

     This act would take effect upon passage.

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