Subject of Possible Rule Making: WAC 388-478-0070 Monthly income and countable resource standards for medically needy (MN) and 388-478-0080 Supplemental security income (SSI) standards; SSI-related categorically needy income level (CNIL); and countable resource standards.

     Statutes Authorizing the Agency to Adopt Rules on this Subject: RCW 74.04.050, 74.04.057, 74.08.090, 74.09.500 and 74.09.530; Section 1924 of the Social Security Act (42 U.S.C. 1396r-5).

     Reasons Why Rules on this Subject may be Needed and What They Might Accomplish: The federal SSI standard is increasing effective January 1, 2006, due to a change in federal rules. This change will affect the SSI-related standards as well as the categorically needy income level (CNIL) and medically needy income level (MNIL).

     Other Federal and State Agencies that Regulate this Subject and the Process Coordinating the Rule with These Agencies: The department will coordinate as appropriate with the federal Centers for Medicaid and Medicare Services.

     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 Forslin, Program Manager, P.O. Box 45534, Olympia, WA 98504-5534, phone (360) 725-1343, e-mail forslwc@dshs.wa.gov, fax (360) 664-0910, TTY 1-800-848-5429.

October 31, 2005

Andy Fernando, Manager

Rules and Policies Assistance Unit