Standing Ovation for OK Senator Brian Crain
for sponsoring SB 424.
SB 424, sponsored by Sen. Brian Crain, will increase Medicaid eligibility by allowing children who live with families whose income is up to 300 percent of the federal poverty level to qualify. Currently, in order to qualify for Medicaid benefits, children must live in families whose income is 185 percent of the poverty level. Proponents expect the legislation will enable the state’s Medicaid program to provide full coverage for 42,000 additional children.
SS death benefits end when beneficiary reaches the age of 18. As a result, benefits to the remaining beneficiaries increase.
A few months ago my youngest step-daughter turned 18, thereby increasing the amount of H. and my monthly benefits. Unfortunately the increase bumped H. out of the income bracket for healthcare through Medicaid/Medicare. For the past month I’ve been scrambling to find reasonable health insurance for her. A basic policy for healthcare, prescriptions, and dental care averages almost $200/month. I don’t want or expect a free ride from the government and I have no problem paying my share, but it’s kind of a kick in the teeth when the raise in our SS benefits booted H. out of the state’s healthcare program in turn forcing me to purchase insurance which costs more than the raise in benefits we received. Not a kick in the teeth - it just plain sucks!
I’ll have to pay for a policy in the interim - but when SB 424 does goes into effect H. should again be eligible for coverage through the state.
(much relief)
