Settlement reached in Medicaid enrollment lawsuit

DSS and legal aid attorneys have reached a settlement in a class action case, filed in January 2012, over Medicaid application delays. Delays of six months are common for people with high medical costs or needing home care. Under terms of the settlement, by next April DSS must process 92% of applications within the federal standard, usually 45 days. DSS also agrees to hire 35 more enrollment workers, costing $2.5 million, and agrees to pay legal aid’s attorney fees and costs. The settlement still needs to be approved by the Court and the state legislature.