Subject of Possible Rule Making: WAC 388-502-0160 Billing a client, and possibly other related WAC sections.

     Statutes Authorizing the Agency to Adopt Rules on this Subject: RCW 74.08.090, 74.09.530, ESSB 5404 (section 109, chapter 25, Laws of 2003 1st sp.s., and accompanying detailed budget notes), 42 C.F.R. 447.50, 42 C.F.R. 447.54.

     Reasons Why Rules on this Subject may be Needed and What They Might Accomplish: The 2003 legislature directed the Medical Assistance Administration (MAA) to take steps to reduce expenditures so that total program costs do not exceed the annual appropriation authority. Suggested cost-saving methods included reduction of rates, elimination of adult vision care, and elimination of adult hearing services. As an alternative to eliminating services, MAA will implement client copayments, as allowed under 42 C.F.R. 447.54, for adult vision services and adult medical supplies and equipment (which includes durable medical equipment (DME), non-DME, and prosthetics and orthotics).

     Other Federal and State Agencies that Regulate this Subject and the Process Coordinating the Rule with These Agencies: None.

     Process for Developing New Rule: The department invites the interested public to review and provide input on the draft language of this rule. Draft material and information about how to participate may be obtained from the department representative listed below.

     Interested parties can participate in the decision to adopt the new rule and formulation of the proposed rule before publication by contacting Wendy Boedigheimer, Rules Program Manager, P.O. Box 45533, Olympia, WA 98504-5533, phone (360) 725-1306, fax (360) 586-9727, e-mail boediwl@dshs.wa.gov, TDD 1-800-848-5429.

March 15, 2004

Brian H. Lindgren, Manager

Rules and Policies Assistance Unit