H.R. 180House115th Congress (2017-2019)In Committee

To amend title XIX of the Social Security Act to eliminate the requirement for 3 months of retroactive coverage under the Medicaid program.

AI-Generated Summary

Updated April 15, 2026 at 11:02 AM UTC

This bill removes the existing three‑month retroactive coverage requirement for Medicaid. Under the change, a person’s Medicaid benefits would begin in the month they apply, rather than being back‑dated three months. The amendment updates the relevant sections of the Social Security Act and applies only to new applications after the law takes effect, affecting Medicaid recipients and state Medicaid programs.

Key Provisions

Changes the Medicaid rule so that retroactive coverage starts in the month an individual applies, instead of three months before the application month.
Updates the definition of “medical assistance” in the Social Security Act to match the new retroactive coverage rule.
Applies the new rule only to applications made after the law is enacted.

Legislative Activity

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2 earlier actions

HouseCommittee Latest Action

Referred to the Subcommittee on Health.

Health Subcommittee

January 25, 2017

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HouseIntro Referral

Introduced in House

January 3, 2017

HouseIntro Referral

Referred to the House Committee on Energy and Commerce.

Energy and Commerce Committee

January 3, 2017

HouseCommittee

Referred to the Subcommittee on Health.

Health Subcommittee

January 25, 2017

Bill Text

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Introduced in HouseIssued January 3, 2017

115th CONGRESS

1st Session

H. R. 180

IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES

January 3, 2017

Mr. Mullin (for himself and Mr. Guthrie) introduced the following bill; which was referred to the Committee on Energy and Commerce

A BILL

To amend title XIX of the Social Security Act to eliminate the requirement for 3 months of retroactive coverage under the Medicaid program.

Elimination of 3-month retroactive coverage under the Medicaid program

(a)

In general

(1)

State plan requirements

Section 1902(a)(34) of the Social Security Act (42 U.S.C. 1396a(a)(34)) is amended by striking in or after the third month before the month in which he made application and inserting in or after the month in which the individual made application.

(2)

Definition of medical assistance

Section 1905(a) of the Social Security Act (42 U.S.C. 1396d(a)) is amended by striking in or after the third month before the month in which the recipient makes application for assistance and inserting in or after the month in which the recipient makes application for assistance.

(b)

Effective date

The amendments made by subsection (a) shall apply to medical assistance with respect to individuals whose eligibility for such assistance is based on an application for such assistance made (or deemed to be made) after the date of the enactment of this Act.