This is an archived article that was published on sltrib.com in 2015, and information in the article may be outdated. It is provided only for personal research purposes and may not be reprinted.
Children who are severely disabled or have "complex medical conditions" would receive more financial support from the state under legislation that cleared the House.
The House passed HB199 on a 72-0 vote on Tuesday, and sent it to the Senate. It instructs state officials to apply for a federal Medicaid waiver to help such children.
Its sponsor, Rep. Edward Redd, R-Logan, a doctor, said many families spend tens of thousands of dollars a year beyond what their private insurance covers, and many make too much money to qualify for Medicaid.
He said that results in some taking low pay to qualify for Medicaid, or they go into a financial hole. If the federal waiver is granted, the bill creates a pilot program to help such families.
It would also provide three hours of respite care for the family each week. "It would help some of these families from falling to pieces," Redd said.
— Lee Davidson