S. 1855 — Care for Military Kids Act

This section requires state Medicaid plans, effective January 1, 2028, to treat active duty relocated individuals (i.e., certain military members, recent retirees within 12 months, or their dependents who relocate to a new state due to military service and were enrolled in Medicaid or on a home and community-based services (HCBS) waiting list, or would be eligible for HCBS) as residents of the new military service relocation state for eligibility purposes unless they elect otherwise; maintain their prior HCBS waiting list status (i.e., list of individuals awaiting HCBS under Medicaid waivers due to enrollment caps) until an eligibility decision and fair hearing opportunity or voluntary removal; and cover medical assistance furnished in the new state per Secretary guidance. (As background, HCBS enable Medicaid to fund long-term care services in home and community settings rather than institutions, but states often cap enrollment and maintain waiting lists.) It also appropriates $1 million annually for FY2026 through FY2030 to the Secretary of Health and Human Services for implementation. The amendments take effect on enactment, with a delay permitted until the first calendar quarter after the first regular state legislative session ending within one year of enactment if state legislation is required.