HCS/HB 1873 - This act modifies the provisions relating to personal care assistance services for those consumers who are participating as non-Medicaid eligible clients. In order to be eligible for financial assistance for consumer-directed personal care assistance services, a consumer shall demonstrate financial need, which shall be based on the adjusted gross income and the assets of the consumer and such consumer's spouse. Also, in order to establish financial need an applicant can demonstrate disability-related medical and reasonable living expenses as approved by the Department of Health and Senior Services. Further, if the individual receiving assistance is married, the couple's combined adjusted gross income cannot exceed $125,000. This act also provides for a sliding scale for monthly premiums equal to the following:
(1) For adjusted gross incomes below one hundred fifty percent of the federal poverty level, no monthly premium;
(2) For adjusted gross incomes between one hundred fifty and one hundred eighty-five percent of the federal poverty level, one percent of adjusted gross income;
(3) For adjusted gross incomes between one hundred eighty-five and two hundred twenty-five percent of the federal poverty level, three percent of adjusted gross income;
(4) For adjusted gross incomes between two hundred twenty-five and three hundred percent of the federal poverty level, five percent of adjusted gross income.
This act also extend the response time for consumers receiving re-verification letters from ten days to thirty days.
This act also extends the expiration date for the personal care assistance programs to June 30, 2008.
This act contains an emergency clause.
This act is similar to SCS/SB 1108 (2006).
ADRIANE CROUSE