Committee narrows parental-income disregard proposal; bill carried over after families voice concern

The Senate Committee on Human Services carried over Senate Bill 909 to its April 8 meeting so staff can finalize fiscal analysis of a narrowed Dash 2 amendment.

Staff described the Dash 2 amendment as a narrowing of an earlier, broader proposal. Under the amendment the committee will consider, parental income would be disregarded only when determining eligibility for medical assistance for certain children who are already Medicaid-eligible or who meet a hospital or nursing-home level of care. Committee staff said the narrower approach seeks to provide services to children who already qualify under Medicaid but who lack access to wraparound home- and community-based supports; it would also permit federal matching dollars to replace some state general-fund costs for children in foster care.

The committee noted some families had expressed disappointment that the narrowed amendment limits the number of children who would receive parental-income disregard. A sponsor said the change is intended as a step forward within the session’s time constraints — ‘‘a culture of maybe’’ toward a ‘‘culture of yes’’ — and that staff would continue work on broader access in future sessions.

The committee will not adopt the amendment until fiscal comparisons are available; staff said the Oregon Health Authority’s fiscal note is expected before the next meeting. SB 909 was carried over to April 8 for further work, with the chair noting continued engagement with families and stakeholders.

Votes were not taken on the substantive policy; the item was carried to allow fiscal analysis and to circulate any final amendment text.