03/29/2000 01:54 PM Senate JUD

                                                                                                                                
            SB 233-MEDICAL ASSISTANCE:LIENS & CLAIMS                                                                            
                                                                                                                                
SENATOR TORGERSON moved to adopt CSSB 233(JUD), 1-GS2058\D,                                                                     
Lauterbach, dated 3/28/00.  There being no objection, CSSB 233(JUD)                                                             
was adopted.                                                                                                                    
                                                                                                                                
Number 927                                                                                                                      
                                                                                                                                
MR. JOHN SHERWOOD, Department of Health and Social Services (DHSS),                                                             
stated this bill will make two improvements to the medical                                                                      
assistance statute.  It will extend the length of time for                                                                      
providers who have claims for services to Medicaid recipients--from                                                             
six months to one year.  The statute will also allow, if a good                                                                 
cause is found, for filing after the deadline to pay the full                                                                   
amount of the claim instead of 50% of the claim.  The bill will                                                                 
also improve DHSS's ability to recover against third parties where                                                              
medical care has been paid for a Medicaid recipient, and then the                                                               
Medicaid recipient engages in litigation against the insurance                                                                  
company or similar defendant.  SB 233 gives DHSS the right to put                                                               
a lien against these settlements.