567 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

[27 Pa.B. 1891]

   The Department of Public Welfare increased the income limits codified at 55 Pa. Code § 181.1(f)(1), (2) and (4) effective January 1, 1997.

   The regulations at 55 Pa. Code § 181.1(f)(1), (2) and (4) establish that 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, 1997, the Federal benefit rate was increased due to the Federal cost-of-living increase. 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.

   Under 55 Pa. Code § 181.1(f), the Department of Public Welfare revised the income limits for the Categorically Needy Nonmoney Payment Medical Assistance Program for aged, blind and disabled persons effective January 1, 1997. Those limits are set forth in Appendices A, B and D, which are recommended for codification in 55 Pa. Code Chapter 181.

   Persons with a disability may use the AT&T Relay Service by calling 1 [phone] (TDD users) or 1 [phone] (Voice users). Persons who require another alternative format should contact Thomas Vracarich at [phone].

FEATHER O. HOUSTOUN,   
Secretary

Appendix A

   Categorically Needy Nonmoney Payment Monthly Income Limits for the Aged, Blind and Disabled Categories
Effective January 1, 1997

1 Person
$511.40
2 Persons
$769.70

Appendix B

   Categorically Needy Nonmoney Payment Monthly Income Limits for the Aged, Blind, and Disabled Categories Receiving Skilled Care, Heavy Care/Intermediate Services or Intermediate Care
Effective January 1, 1997

1 Person
$1,452

AppendixX D

   Monthly Federal Benefit Rate
Effective January 1, 1997

1 Person
$484
2 Persons
$726

   Percentages of Monthly Federal Benefit Rate
Effective January 1, 1997

Item 1)  50% of Federal Benefit Rate for 1 person
= $242

Item 2)  50% of Federal Benefit Rate for 2 persons
= $363

   Fiscal Note:  14-NOT-140. (1) General Fund; (2) Implementing Year 1996-97 is $ See Following; (3) 1st Succeeding Year 1997-98 is $; 2nd Succeeding Year 1998-99 is $; 3rd Succeeding Year 1999-00 is $; 4th Succeeding Year 2000-01 is $; 5th Succeeding Year 2001-02 is $; (4) FY 1995-96 is $2,554,054,000; FY 1994-95 is $2,366,145,000; FY 1993-94 is $2,433,389,000; (7) Medical Assistance; (8) recommends adoption. The increased costs cannot be calculated separately. The increase is annually mandated by Federal regulations and has been included in the 1996-97 General Appropriations Act and the Governor's 1997-98 Executive Budget.

[Pa.B. Doc. No. 97-567. Filed for public inspection April 11, 1997, 9:00 a.m.]