Subject of Possible Rule Making: WAC 388-416-0020 Certification periods for noninstitutionalized medically needy (MN) program.

     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.

     Reasons Why Rules on this Subject may be Needed and What They Might Accomplish: The department is amending these rules to clarify that the open effective date for the medically needy program is the first day of the base period when the following types of bills are used to meet spenddown: A hospital expense; or medical expenses that are not covered services for Medicaid.

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

December 20, 2005

Andy Fernando, Manager

Rules and Policies Assistance Unit