Page 3

3

We are requesting an amendment to the effective date of Section 1 of this bill, which we have drafted and included in the attached document. The amendment would change the effective date to April 1, 2026. As we analyzed the IT systems changes that would be needed if the bill passes, we concluded that a few additional months for development and testing are needed. If the amendment is adopted, the fiscal impact would need to be amended as well.

Section 2 of the bill increases the age limit for participation in the Medicaid children’s autism and medically fragile waivers to age 20. Currently the age limit is 18. This change would enable children who are currently participating in the waiver to remain as participants at ages 19 and 20. If this change is not made, 23 children will age out of these waivers in the coming biennium. The transition period from youth into adulthood is critical, and disruption of services and supports for these young adults would make the transition more challenging. There is no fiscal impact associated with this change, as there are a set number of waiver slots each year, and each slot is funded in the Department’s cost to continue budget.

This concludes my testimony. I would be happy to try to answer any questions the committee may have. Thank you.