DD Residential Offsets: HB 2464

Submitted by Shelley Joyce on Fri, 06/01/2007 - 11:00am.

What does this bill do?

This bill would allow individuals with developmental disabilties who receive residential services to keep a greater percentage of their earnings and still remain elgible for Medicaid.

What is happening now?

Individuals with developmental disabilities who receive SSDI are currently allowed to keep only $65 a month from the income they make from employment. The rest of their earnings are taken as "offsets" by the State for their cost of care.

Why is this bill important?

There is currently no incentive to work. The DD system is committed to increase the number of individuals who are employed, but it is difficult to increase employment when people are not allowed to experience the benefit from their work.

The current situation maintains a cycle of dependence. Individuals can’t keep the money that would help them become more independent and they can’t become more independent unless they keep some of the money they earn.

The current policy in Oregon discourages employment. Pass and fund HB 2464!

FAST FACTS

The State estimated the fiscal impact of this legislation to be approximately $400,000.
This estimate does not factor in the increased ability of people with developmental disabilities to pay for their own personal expenses.
The State has received a federal grant to increase employment of people with disabilities in Oregon.
Residential Offsets continue to be a barrier to employment and independence for people with developmental disabilities.

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