Subject of Possible Rule Making: WAC 388-416-0035 Medicare savings program certification periods, amends the rule to meet the department's clear and concise rule-writing requirement and to reflect a name change for one of the Medicare savings program (MSP) eligibility categories.

     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) of the Social Security Act).

     Reasons Why Rules on this Subject may be Needed and What They Might Accomplish: This WAC needs to be revised to reflect a name change for the expanded specified low-income Medicare beneficiary (ESLMB to qualified individual (QI-1) and to present certification periods for MSP in a clear and concise manner.

     Other Federal and State Agencies that Regulate this Subject and the Process Coordinating the Rule with These Agencies: United States Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS). The department coordinates with DHHS to make rules consistent with requirements in the state plan for Medical Assistance.

     Process for Developing New Rule: The department invites the interest 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 proposed and 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 27,2004

Brian H. Lindgren, Manager

Rules and Policies Assistance Unit

© Washington State Code Reviser's Office