Subject of Possible Rule Making: WAC 388-517-0300 Medicare savings programs and related WAC. Amending the rule to reflect federal law and rules with regard to copayments, and program eligibility. The WAC will be reorganized into smaller sections by adding two or more WAC under chapter 388-517 WAC.

     Statutes Authorizing the Agency to Adopt Rules on this Subject: RCW 74.04.050, 74.04.057, 74.08.090, and 74.09.530; 42 U.S.C. 1396a (a) Section 1902 (n)(2).

     Reasons Why Rules on this Subject may be Needed and What They Might Accomplish: This rule change is necessary to comply with federal program rules and to achieve clear and concise WAC.

     Other Federal and State Agencies that Regulate this Subject and the Process Coordinating the Rule with These Agencies: The department will coordinate development of this rule with federal Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services. The rule will be consistent with requirements in the state plan for medical assistance.

     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. The department will distribute draft material for an internal and external review process. All comments are taken into consideration before issuance of the final rules.

     Interested parties can participate in the decision to adopt the new rule and formulation of the proposed rule before publication by contacting Carole McRae, Program Manager, P.O. Box 45534, Olympia, WA 98504-5534, phone (360) 725-1250, fax (360) 664-0910, e-mail mcraeca@dshs.wa.gov, TDD 1-800-848-5429.

May 4, 2004

Brian H. Lindgren, Manager

Rules and Policies Assistance Unit

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