Relates to the appropriation to the Catastrophic Health Care Program for fiscal year 2021.

This is the FY 2021 supplemental appropriation bill for the Catastrophic Health Care Program, also known as the CAT Fund or CAT Program. TheCatastrophicHealthCareProgramwasestablishedinIdahoCode(Section31-3517)tomeettheneedsofthe medically indigent in Idaho who do not qualify for state or federal Health and Welfare programs but do qualify for county assistance. Section 57-813, Idaho Code, provides for the creation of the continuously appropriated CAT Fund, and provides that the appropriate county is responsible for the first $11,000 in medical bills incurred by each medically indigent individual in any twelve month period. Section 39-3519, Idaho Code, also requires the CAT Program to pay for all eligible and approved medical bills within 45 days of board approval and for eligible amounts in excess of the county's portion of $11,000. For the first six months of the current fiscal year, the CAT Board approved and expended just over $7 million in claims. The CAT Board estimates spending about the same amount in the second half of the fiscal year. Any amount appropriated in the bill that is unexpended at the end of the fiscal year will remain in CAT Fund and will be available for claims in FY 2022. This funding is needed to pay for claims and services that have already been provided on behalf of an Idahoan that is eligible for services pursuant to Idaho Code. If the legislation is not approved, the CAT Board will have to hold claims payments until additional funding is provided.