FRANKFORT- Legislation aimed at rooting out fraud from the state’s Medicaid and food
stamps programs has passed the Kentucky House.
House Bill 363 sponsor Rep. Regina Huff, R-Williamsburg, said the bill would require
the state to track enrollees in the programs at set intervals for changes in
eligibility based on lottery winnings, employment, changes in residency, or other
life changes.
Any “change in circumstances” that could affect someone’s eligibility for Medicaid
benefit or SNAP (Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program) benefits– formerly
known as food stamps– would require a review of that individual’s case, according
to the bill. No waiver of SNAP requirements would be allowed unless the state
unemployment rate reaches at least 10 percent, or by determination of the state.
“Essentially, the bill is an attempt to turn back the fraud and abuse in these
programs,” said Huff. She said examples of fraud have included lottery winners not
reporting their income and SNAP electronic benefit transfer (EBT) cards being sold
for profit.
Rep. Jim Wayne, D-Louisville, challenged the legislation, asking why supporters of
the bill feel the state should “police the poor.”
“It seems to me, if the federal government wanted to set up some guidelines on
these, they would set the guidelines themselves,” said Wayne.
HB 363 supporter Rep. Robert Benvenuti, R-Lexington, said the bill is needed because
many who don’t need the benefits are taking them away from those who do.
“The real shame is when someone who does not (qualify) pushes a child or someone who
is truly disabled out of line,” he said.
HB 363, which is also sponsored by House Majority Floor Leader Jonathan Shell,
R-Lancaster, cleared the House by a vote of 63-32. It now goes to the Senate for
consideration.