House Bill 1804 would direct the Department of Medical Assistance Services (DMAS) to seek Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) approval to amend Virginia’s Medicaid application so the state can collect information at initial application that identifies applicants who may be eligible for the Medicaid Works program.

The bill’s patron, Delegate Cohen, said the change comes from the Medicaid Works work group and the Virginia Commission on Disability and is intended to increase participation among people with developmental disabilities. “This data is not currently collected at the time of application,” Cohen said, adding the Commonwealth’s participation in Medicaid Works is lower than in some other states.

Teri Morgan of the Virginia Board for People with Disabilities and Maureen Hollowell of the Virginia Association of Centers for Independent Living spoke in support. Morgan called Medicaid Works “an opportunity that it provides people to work, earn an income, and ensure that they have the services that they need.” Hollowell said centers for independent living helped start Medicaid Works and that improving intake and eligibility processes would help more people access the program.

The subcommittee moved to report HB 1804 and refer it to the Appropriations Committee; the motion passed 7–0.

If approved by CMS, the change would affect DMAS intake forms and the information collected from applicants; no CMS approval or fiscal note for the CMS request was provided during the hearing.