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District of ColumbiaB26-0463Council Period 26 (2025-2026)HouseWALLET

Judith Heumann Memorial Workers with Disabilities Act of 2025

Sponsored By: Christina Henderson (Democratic)

Became Law

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Bill Overview

Analyzed Economic Effects

5 provisions identified: 1 benefits, 1 costs, 3 mixed.

New Medicaid access with eligibility limits

The law creates Medicaid coverage for employed District residents with disabilities who are age 16 or older, including self-employed workers. The program cannot start before October 1, 2027. Its costs must first enter an approved District budget and financial plan, with certification by the Chief Financial Officer. The Department of Health Care Finance (DHCF) must seek needed federal approvals within six months after the program provisions become applicable. Applicants must meet Social Security disability rules, with the program's exception for substantial gainful activity. Disability is established through current Social Security Disability Insurance benefits, a DHCF determination, or past disability benefits lost for reasons other than medical improvement. Inmates, inpatient mental-health patients, and residents of medical institutions or long-term care facilities are excluded, except for limited facility coverage. People already enrolled in Medicaid, DC Healthcare Alliance, DC Healthy Families, or the Child and Adolescent Supplemental Security Income Program are excluded. Applicants must document employment, provide a Social Security number, and consent to verification. Applicants outside the District can apply by mail with proof of long-term District residency. Certification normally lasts 12 months, with annual renewal and possible disability reviews. DHCF must send renewal forms at least 60 days before coverage ends; materials are due by the certification period's end. A further 90-day window allows missing documents; approval within that window permits coverage back to the new period's first day.

Coverage limits for workers with disabilities

Program coverage is limited to medically necessary services in the District Medicaid plan, delivered by DHCF-approved Medicaid providers. It excludes services covered by other insurance or a liable third party. Providers must seek payment from insurers or other potentially liable parties before billing DHCF; this rule directs providers, not enrollees. Enrollees cannot join District Medicaid managed-care plans or the Program of All-Inclusive Care for the Elderly. Long-term care facility coverage is limited to 30 consecutive days unless DHCF rules provide otherwise. The program does not pay employer-plan copayments, deductibles, or coinsurance.

Worker premiums with hardship relief

Monthly premiums for enrolled workers depend on net countable income as a share of the federal poverty level. The schedule is $0 through 138%; $25 above 138% through 200%; $40 above 200% through 250%; and $55 above 250% through 300%. Above 300% through 450%, the charge is 4% of net countable monthly income. Above 450% through 600%, it is 5%; above 600%, it is 7.5%. Assets do not count toward eligibility or premiums, and income exclusions and deductions apply. Countable income includes Social Security disability benefits, other Social Security benefits, railroad retirement, unemployment, and other sources listed in program rules. DHCF can adjust fixed premium amounts annually for inflation. Hardship relief is available when payment threatens basic food, shelter, or clothing; DHCF must issue a written decision within 30 days. After involuntary job loss or medical reasons, enrollees can keep coverage for up to six months within any 12-month period while continuing premium payments. Failure to pay within 30 days after notice ends enrollment, with notice and appeal rights. All overdue premiums must be paid before re-enrollment.

Worker premiums fund program health costs

The law creates a dedicated fund, managed by DHCF, for all program premium payments. The money pays the District's share of program Medicaid costs and directly related administrative costs. Unspent balances stay out of the General Fund. Appropriated money remains available across fiscal years only as authorized by an approved District budget and financial plan. DHCF must also update the District of Columbia Access System, including software upgrades and a premium-collection platform. These requirements apply after the program's fiscal effects enter an approved budget and financial plan.

Worker reporting duties and appeal rights

Applicants, enrollees, or their representatives must report changes affecting eligibility within 30 days and cooperate with DHCF. They must disclose insurance and other parties that may owe for care. Enrollees give DHCF the right to collect available benefits from those parties. They must stop using program benefits after written notice of ineligibility or termination. Failure to follow these duties can lead to termination or recovery of improperly paid assistance. DHCF can use liens or seek reimbursement only as allowed by federal and District law. Applicants and enrollees can challenge DHCF decisions through a fair hearing.

Sponsors & Cosponsors

Sponsor

  • Christina Henderson

    Democratic • House

Cosponsors

There are no cosponsors for this bill.

Roll Call Votes

All Roll Calls

Yes: 39 • No: 0

House vote • 6/2/2026

Other

Yes: 13 • No: 0

House vote • 6/2/2026

Final Reading

Yes: 13 • No: 0

House vote • 5/5/2026

First Reading, CC

Yes: 13 • No: 0

Actions Timeline

  1. Law L26-0173, Effective from Aug 20, 2026 Published in DC Register Vol 73 and Page 009383

    7/10/2026House

  2. Transmitted to Congress

    7/9/2026House

  3. Returned from Mayor

    7/6/2026House

  4. Enacted without Mayor's Signature with Act Number A26-0360

    7/2/2026House

  5. Transmitted to Mayor, Response Due on Jul 01, 2026

    6/16/2026House

  6. Legislative Meeting

    6/2/2026House

  7. Legislative Meeting

    5/5/2026House

  8. Committee Mark-up of B26-0463 by the Health Committee

    4/7/2026House

  9. Public Hearing on B26-0463

    12/11/2025House

  10. Notice of Public Hearing Published in the District of Columbia Register

    11/21/2025House

  11. Notice of Public Hearing filed in the Office of Secretary by Health

    11/12/2025House

  12. Notice of Intent to Act on B26-0463 Published in the District of Columbia Register

    11/7/2025House

  13. Referred to Committee on Health with comments from the Committee on Facilities

    11/4/2025House

  14. B26-0463 Introduced by Councilmember Henderson at Office of the Secretary

    11/3/2025House

Bill Text

  • Amendment

    6/2/2026

    PDF

  • Enrollment

    6/2/2026

    PDF

  • Engrossment

    5/5/2026

    PDF

  • Introduced

    11/3/2025

    PDF

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