Original Notice.

Preproposal statement of inquiry was filed as WSR 99-01-163.

Title of Rule: WAC 388-478-0070 and 388-478-0080.

Purpose: Implements the increased federal standards for the one-person medically needy income level, for the medically indigent program and the SSI-related categorically needy income level.

Statutory Authority for Adoption: RCW 74.04.050, 74.04.057, 74.08.090, and 74.09.575.

Statute Being Implemented: RCW 74.04.057.

Summary: Increased federal standards as described under Purpose above.

Name of Agency Personnel Responsible for Drafting, Implementation and Enforcement: Joanie Scotson, Medical Assistance Administration, Mailstop 45530, Olympia, WA 98504-5530, (360) 753-7462.

Name of Proponent: Department of Social and Health Services, governmental.

Rule is not necessitated by federal law, federal or state court decision.

Explanation of Rule, its Purpose, and Anticipated Effects: See Purpose above.

Proposal Changes the Following Existing Rules: See Purpose above.

No small business economic impact statement has been prepared under chapter 19.85 RCW. This proposed rule has no impact on small businesses. It affects eligibility for medical assistance programs.

RCW 34.05.328 does not apply to this rule adoption. This rule does not meet the definition of a significant legislative rule.

Hearing Location: Lacey Government Center (behind Tokyo Bento Restaurant), 1009 College Street S.E., Room 104-B, Lacey, WA 98503, on May 11, 1999, at 10:00 a.m.

Assistance for Persons with Disabilities: Contact Paige Wall by April 27, 1999, phone (360) 902-7540, TTY (360) 902-8324, e-mail pwall@dshs.wa.gov.

Submit Written Comments to: Identify WAC Numbers, Paige Wall, Rules Coordinator, Rules and Policies Assistance Unit, P.O. Box 45850, Olympia, WA 98504-5850, fax (360) 902-8292, by May 11, 1999.

Date of Intended Adoption: No sooner than May 12, 1999.

April 5, 1999

Marie Myerchin-Redifer, Manager

Rules and Policies Assistance Unit

(1) Beginning January 1, ((1998)) 1999, the medically needy income level (MNIL) and MI monthly income standards ((to be applied to a medical assistance unit)) are as follows:

	(a) One person	$((521)) 527
	(b) Two persons	$592
	(c) Three persons	$667
	(d) Four persons	$742
	(e) Five persons	$858
	(f) Six persons	$975
	(g) Seven persons	$1,125
	(h) Eight persons	$1,242
	(i) Nine persons	$1,358
	(j) Ten persons and more	$1,483

(2) The MNIL standard for a person((s)) meeting ((the)) institutional status requirements ((of chapter 388-513 WAC, a special MNIL is used. That standard)) is in WAC 388-513-1305(2).

(3) ((The MN and MI program)) Countable resource standards for the MN and MI programs are:

	(a) One person	$2,000
	(b) A legally married couple	$3,000
	(c) For each additional family member add	$50

[Statutory Authority: RCW 74.04.050, 74.04.055, 74.04.057 and 74.08.090.  98-16-044, § 388-478-0070, filed 7/31/98, effective 9/1/98. Formerly WAC 388-507-0710, 388-507-0720, 388-511-1115, 388-518-1820, 388-518-1830, 388-518-1840 and 388-518-1850.]

(1) The SSI-related CNIL standard is the same as the SSI monthly payment standard based upon the area of the state where the person lives. Area 1 is defined as the following counties: King, Pierce, Snohomish, Thurston, and Kitsap. Area 2 is all other counties. Beginning January 1, 1999, the CNIL monthly income standards are as follows:

	Area 1	Area 2
(a) Single person	$((521.00)) 527.00	$((500.55)) 506.55
(b) A legally married couple who are both eligible
	$((762.00)) 772.00	$((741.00)) 751.00

(2) The countable resource standards for the SSI-related CN medical program are:

(a) One person	$2,000
(b) A legally married couple	$3,000

[Statutory Authority: RCW 74.04.050, 74.04.055, 74.04.057 and 74.08.090.  98-16-044, § 388-478-0080, filed 7/31/98, effective 9/1/98. Formerly WAC 388-511-1110.]

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