456 Income limits for the categorically needy; Nonmoney Payment Medical Assistance Program

DEPARTMENT OF PUBLIC WELFARE

Income Limits for the Categorically Needy; Nonmoney Payment Medical Assistance Program

[28 Pa.B. 1464]

   The Department of Public Welfare (Department) increased the income limits codified at 55 Pa. Code § 181.1(f)(1), (2) and (4) effective January 1, 1998.

   The regulations at 55 Pa. Code § 181.1(f)(1), (2) and (4) establish that the income limits for the Categorically Needy Nonmoney Payment (NMP) Medical Assistance (MA) Program for aged, blind and disabled persons are based on the Federal benefit rate payable under Title XVI of the Social Security Act (42 U.S.C.A §§ 1381--1383c). Effective January 1, 1998, the Federal benefit rate was increased due to the Federal cost-of-living increase.

   As required under 55 Pa. Code § 181.1(f), the Department revised the income limits for the Categorically Needy Nonmoney Payment Medical Assistance Program for aged, blind and disabled persons effective January 1, 1998. Those limits are set forth in Appendices A, B and D, which are recommended for codification in 55 Pa. Code Chapter 181. Appendix A is the Federal benefit rate plus the State supplement payable under Title XVI. Appendix B is 300% of the Federal benefit rate payable under Title XVI. Appendix D is the Federal benefit rate payable under Title XVI. Item 1 of Appendix D is 1/2 of the Federal benefit rate for one person. Item 2 of Appendix D is 1/2 of the Federal benefit rate for two persons.

   Persons with a disability may use the AT&T Relay Service by calling 1 [phone] (TDD users) or 1 [phone] (Voice users).

Appendix A

Categorically needy nonmoney payment monthly income limits for aged, blind and disabled categories effective January 1, 1998

   1 Person
$521.40

   2 Persons
$784.70

Appendix B

Categorically needy nonmoney payment monthly income limits for aged, blind, and disabled categories receiving skilled care, heavy care/intermediate services or intermediate care effective January 1, 1998

   1 Person
$1,482

Appendix D

Monthly Federal benefit rate effective January 1, 1998

   1 Person
$494

   2 Persons
$741

Percentages of monthly Federal benefit rate effective January 1, 1998

   Item 1) 50% of Federal Benefit Rate for 1 person=$247

   Item 2) 50% of Federal Benefit Rate for 2 persons=$370.50

FEATHER O. HOUSTOUN,   
Secretary

   Fiscal Note: 14-NOT-166. No fiscal impact; (8) recommends adoption. Additional funds for this cost-of-living adjustment and increased income eligibility have been included in the Department of Public Welfare's budget.

[Pa.B. Doc. No. 98-456. Filed for public inspection March 20, 1998, 9:00 a.m.]