WSR 02-17-030

PERMANENT RULES

DEPARTMENT OF

SOCIAL AND HEALTH SERVICES
(Medical Assistance Administration)

[ Filed August 12, 2002, 3:26 p.m. ]

     Date of Adoption: August 8, 2002.

     Purpose: Implementation of RCW 74.08A.100 and 74.09.415 as revised by SB 6833. These amendments are necessary to eliminate DSHS state-funded medical coverage for undocumented children and for legal immigrant children and adults that are ineligible for Medicaid due to their INS status or the requirement of a five-year ban.

     Citation of Existing Rules Affected by this Order: Repealing WAC 388-416-0025; and amending WAC 388-503-0505, 388-503-0510, 388-503-0515, 388-408-0055, 388-416-0010, 388-418-0025, 388-450-0105, 388-424-0010, 388-438-0110, 388-505-0210, 388-505-0220, 388-450-0005, 388-450-0035, 388-450-0065, 388-450-0170, 388-450-0210, 388-523-0100, 388-462-0015, 388-470-0026, 388-470-0070, and 388-478-0075.

     Statutory Authority for Adoption: RCW 74.08.090, 74.08A.100, 74.09.080, and 74.09.415.

      Adopted under notice filed as WSR 02-13-100, 02-13-101, 02-13-102, 02-13-103, and 02-13-104 on June 18, 2002.

     Changes Other than Editing from Proposed to Adopted Version: WAC 388-503-0510 (2)(a) should read, "The program requirements for the TANF cash assistance program or the requirements of WAC 388-505-0220 or 388-505-0210; or"

     WAC 388-503-0515 new subsection (3) should read, "Individuals eligible for state financial assistance (SFA) cash grants may receive medical coverage for: (a) An emergent medical condition as described in WAC 388-438-0110; or (b) Pregnancy as described in WAC 388-462-0115.

     WAC 388-424-0010(2) should read, "Qualified aliens who first physically entered the U.S. after August 21, 1996 cannot receive TANF, Medicaid, or SCHIP for five years after obtaining status as a qualified alien, unless they are any of the following...."

     Delete the new (3) and renumber the ones following.

     Current (4)(d) should read, "The child is a lawful permanent resident."

     WAC 388-505-0220 (1)(b) should read, "Receiving cash diversion assistance, except SFA relatable families, described in chapter 388-222 WAC."

     Number of Sections Adopted in Order to Comply with Federal Statute: New 0, Amended 0, Repealed 0; Federal Rules or Standards: New 0, Amended 0, Repealed 0; or Recently Enacted State Statutes: New 0, Amended 21, Repealed 1.

     Number of Sections Adopted at Request of a Nongovernmental Entity: New 0, Amended 0, Repealed 0.

     Number of Sections Adopted on the Agency's Own Initiative: New 0, Amended 0, Repealed 0.

     Number of Sections Adopted in Order to Clarify, Streamline, or Reform Agency Procedures: New 0, Amended 0, Repealed 0.

     Number of Sections Adopted Using Negotiated Rule Making: New 0, Amended 0, Repealed 0;      Pilot Rule Making: New 0, Amended 0, Repealed 0; or Other Alternative Rule Making: New 0, Amended 21, Repealed 1.
     Effective Date of Rule: Thirty-one days after filing.

August 8, 2002

Brian H. Lindgren, Manager

Rules and Policies Assistance Unit

3114.3
AMENDATORY SECTION(Amending WSR 98-16-044, filed 7/31/98, effective 9/1/98)

WAC 388-503-0505   General eligibility requirements for medical programs.   (1) Persons applying for benefits under the medical coverage programs established under chapter 74.09 RCW must meet the eligibility criteria established by the department in chapters 388-400 through 388-555 WAC.

     (2) Persons applying for medical coverage are considered first for federally funded or federally matched programs. State-funded programs are considered after federally funded programs are not available to the client except for brief periods when the state-funded programs offer a broad scope of care which meet a specific client need.

     (3) Unless otherwise specified in program specific WAC, the eligibility criteria for each medical program ((are)) is as follows:

     (a) ((Verifiable)) Verification of age and identity (chapters 388-404, 388-406, and 388-490 WAC); and

     (b) Residence in Washington state (chapter 388-468 WAC); and

     (c) Citizenship or immigration status in the United States (chapter 388-424 WAC); and

     (d) Possession of a valid Social Security Account Number (chapter ((388-474)) 388-476 WAC); and

     (e) Assignment of medical support rights to the state of Washington (WAC 388-505-0540); and

     (f) Cooperation in securing medical support (chapter 388-422 WAC); and

     (g) Countable resources ((which are)) within program limits (chapters 388-470 and 388-478 WAC); and

     (h) Countable income ((which are)) within program limits (chapters 388-450 and 388-478 WAC).

     (4) In addition to the general eligibility requirements in subsection (3) of this section, each program has specific eligibility requirements as described in applicable WAC.

     (5) Persons living in ((correctional institutions)) a public institution, including a correctional facility, are not eligible for the department's medical coverage programs. A person living in a city or county jail may be considered only for the medically indigent (MI) program. For a person under age twenty or over age sixty-five who is a patient in an institution for mental disease see WAC 388-513-1315(13) for exception.

     (6) Persons terminated from SSI or TANF cash grants and those who lose eligibility for categorically needy (CN) medical coverage have their CN coverage ((extended)) continued while their eligibility for other medical programs is redetermined. This ((extension)) continuation of medical coverage is described in chapter 388-434 WAC.

[Statutory Authority: RCW 74.04.050, 74.04.055, 74.04.057 and 74.08.090. 98-16-044, § 388-503-0505, filed 7/31/98, effective 9/1/98. Formerly WAC 388-501-0110, 388-503-0305 and 388-505-0501.]


AMENDATORY SECTION(Amending WSR 98-16-044, filed 7/31/98, effective 9/1/98)

WAC 388-503-0510   How a client is determined "related to" a categorical program.   (1) A person is related to the Supplemental Security Income (SSI) program if they are:

     (a) Aged, blind, or disabled as defined in WAC 388-511-1105(1) or chapter 388-475 WAC; or

     (b) Considered as eligible for SSI under WAC 388-511-1105(5) or chapter 388-475 WAC; or

     (c) Children meeting the requirements of WAC 388-505-0210(6).

     (2) A person or family is considered to be related to the temporary assistance for needy families (TANF) program ((or the state-funded assistance (SFA) program)) if they meet:

     (a) The program requirements for the TANF ((or the SFA)) cash assistance programs or the requirements of WAC 388-505-0210 or 388-505-0220((, 388-505-0210 (3) or (4), or 388-503-0310 (17)(b))); or

     (b) Would meet such requirements except that((:

     (i))) the assistance unit's countable income ((exceeds)) or resources exceed the TANF ((or the SFA program standards in chapter 388-478 WAC; or

     (ii) The assistance unit's countable resources exceed the cash program standards in chapter 388-470 WAC)).

     (3) Persons related to SSI or to TANF are eligible for categorically needy (CN) or medically needy (MN) medical coverage if they meet the other eligibility criteria for these medical programs. See chapters 388-475, 388-505 and 388-519 WAC for these eligibility criteria.

     (4) Persons related to SSI or to TANF and who receive the related CN medical coverage have redetermination rights as described in WAC 388-503-0505(6).

     (((5) Persons related to SFA are eligible for state-funded medical coverage as long as they meet the other eligibility criteria for the medical program. The state-funded medical coverage has the same scope of coverage as CN or MN coverage described in subsection (3) of this section.))

[Statutory Authority: RCW 74.04.050, 74.04.055, 74.04.057 and 74.08.090. 98-16-044, § 388-503-0510, filed 7/31/98, effective 9/1/98.]


AMENDATORY SECTION(Amending WSR 98-16-044, filed 7/31/98, effective 9/1/98)

WAC 388-503-0515   Medical coverage resulting from a cash grant.   (1) Families or individuals eligible for SSI, SSI state supplement or TANF cash grants are automatically eligible for categorically needy (CN) medical coverage. These clients receive medical coverage benefits without making a separate application. Certification for CN medical coverage parallels that for the cash benefits.

     (2) Upon termination of cash benefits as described in subsection (1) of this section, medical coverage continues until the client's eligibility for other medical coverage can be completed. Continuing medical coverage is terminated if the client does not cooperate with the eligibility re-determination process.

     (3) ((Families or)) Individuals eligible for ((or related to)) state financial assistance (SFA) cash grants ((are eligible for state-funded)) may receive medical coverage((. For this program, the term "related-to" is defined parallel to WAC 388-503-0510(2). The scope of medical coverage parallels that for the federally funded CN program)) for:

     (a) An emergent medical condition as described in WAC 388-438-0110; or

     (b) Pregnancy as described in WAC 388-462-0015.

[Statutory Authority: RCW 74.04.050, 74.04.055, 74.04.057 and 74.08.090. 98-16-044, § 388-503-0515, filed 7/31/98, effective 9/1/98.]

3115.2
AMENDATORY SECTION(Amending WSR 02-03-008, filed 1/4/02, effective 2/4/02)

WAC 388-424-0010   Alien status--Eligibility requirements for the temporary assistance for needy families program and medical benefits.   (1) Qualified aliens as described in WAC 388-424-0005(3) who were residing in the United States (U.S.) before August 22, 1996 may receive temporary assistance for needy families (TANF), Medicaid, and CHIP benefits.

     (2) Qualified aliens who first physically entered the U.S. after August 21, 1996 cannot receive TANF, Medicaid, or ((CHIP)) SCHIP for five years after ((their date of entry)) obtaining status as a qualified alien, unless they are any of the following:

     (a) An alien as described under WAC 388-424-0005 (3)(b), (d), (e), (g), or (h); or

     (b) A lawful permanent resident who is:

     (i) On active duty in the U.S. military, other than active duty for training;

     (ii) An honorably discharged U.S. veteran;

     (iii) A veteran of the military forces of the Philippines who served prior to July 1, 1946, as described in Title 38, section 107 of the U.S. code;

     (iv) A Hmong or Highland Lao veteran who served in the military on behalf of the U.S. Government during the Vietnam conflict; or

     (v) The spouse or unmarried dependent child(ren) of a person described in subsection (2)(b)(i) through (iv) of this section.

     (3) A child born outside of the U.S. automatically becomes a U.S. citizen when:

     (a) At least one of the parents is a U.S. citizen by birth or naturalization;

     (b) The child is under eighteen years of age; ((and))

     (c) The child is residing in the U.S. in legal and physical custody of the citizen parent; and

     (d) The child is a lawful permanent resident.

     (4) An Indian as described in WAC 388-424-0020 (2)(b) and (c) may receive Medicaid or CHIP benefits.

     (5) Aliens, including PRUCOL aliens as defined in WAC 388-424-0005(4), who would qualify for Medicaid benefits, but are determined ineligible because of alien status or requirements for a Social Security Number, may receive medical coverage as follows:

     (a) State-funded categorically needy (CN) scope of care for((:

     (i))) pregnant women, as described in WAC 388-462-0015((;

     (ii) Children as described in WAC 388-505-0210; or

     (iii) Family medical as described in WAC 388-505-0220.)); and

     (b) Alien emergency medical services as described in WAC 388-438-0110.

     (6) Alien status does not ((effect)) affect eligibility for the medically indigent program described in WAC 388-438-0100.

[Statutory Authority: RCW 74.04.050, 74.04.057, 74.08.090, 74.09.530, and Public Law 106-395. 02-03-008, § 388-424-0010, filed 1/4/02, effective 2/4/02. Statutory Authority: RCW 74.08.090 and 74.08A.100. 99-17-023, § 388-424-0010, filed 8/10/99, effective 9/10/99. Statutory Authority: RCW 74.04.050, 74.04.055, 74.04.057 and 74.08.090. 98-16-044, § 388-424-0010, filed 7/31/98, effective 9/1/98. Formerly WAC 388-505-0520 and 388-518-1805.]

3116.1
AMENDATORY SECTION(Amending WSR 98-16-044, filed 7/31/98, effective 9/1/98)

WAC 388-416-0010   Medical certification periods for recipients of cash assistance programs.   (1) The certification period for medical services begins on the first day of the month of application when the client is determined eligible for cash assistance for one of the following programs:

     (a) Temporary assistance for needy families (TANF) ((or state family assistance (SFA))); ((or))

     (b) Supplemental Security Income (SSI); or

     (c) ((General assistance for pregnant women (GA-S); or

     (d) General assistance for children (GA-H); or

     (e))) Refugee assistance.

     (2) The certification period for the medical programs associated with the cash programs in subsection (1) of this section continues as long as eligibility for these programs lasts. When a client's cash assistance is terminated, eligibility for medical assistance is continued until eligibility is redetermined as described in WAC ((388-418-WAC)) 388-418-0025.

     (3) The certification period for medical can begin up to three months prior to the month of application for clients described in subsection (1) of this section if the conditions in WAC 388-416-0015(6) apply.

     (4) The certification period for medical care services begins on the date eligibility begins for the following cash assistance programs:

     (a) General assistance for unemployable persons (GA-U); or

     (b) Alcohol and drug abuse treatment and support act (ADATSA) programs, when the client is either receiving a grant or waiting for treatment to begin.

     (5) The certification period for medical care services for clients in subsection (4) of this section runs concurrently with the period of eligibility for the client's cash assistance program.

[Statutory Authority: RCW 74.04.050, 74.04.055, 74.04.057 and 74.08.090. 98-16-044, § 388-416-0010, filed 7/31/98, effective 9/1/98. Formerly WAC 388-521-2110, 388-521-2120, 388-522-2210 and 388-524-2420.]


REPEALER

     The following section of the Washington Administrative Code is repealed:
WAC 388-416-0025 Certification period for children's health program.
3117.2
AMENDATORY SECTION(Amending WSR 01-11-110, filed 5/21/01, effective 6/21/01)

WAC 388-505-0210   Children's medical eligibility.   (1) A child under the age of one is eligible for categorically needy (CN) medical assistance ((as defined in chapter 388-500 WAC)) when:

     (a) The child's mother was eligible for and receiving coverage under a medical program at the time of the child's birth; and

     (b) The child remains with the mother and resides in the state.

     (2) Children under the age of nineteen are eligible for CN medical assistance when they meet the requirements for:

     (a) Citizenship or U.S. national status as described in WAC 388-424-0005(1) or immigrant status as described in WAC 388-424-0010 (1) or (2);

     (b) State residence as described in chapter 388-468 WAC;

     (c) A social security number as described in chapter 388-476 WAC; and

     (d) Family income levels as described in WAC 388-478-0075 (1)(c).

     (3) Children under the age of nineteen are eligible for the state children's health insurance program (SCHIP), as described in chapter 388-542 WAC, when:

     (a) They meet the requirements of subsection (2)(a) and (b) of this section;

     (b) They do not have other creditable health insurance coverage; and

     (c) Family income exceeds two hundred percent of the federal poverty level (FPL), but does not exceed two hundred fifty percent of the FPL as described in WAC 388-478-0075 (1)(c) and (d).

     (4) ((Children under the age of nineteen who first physically entered the U.S. after August 21, 1996 are eligible for state-funded CN scope of care when they meet the:

     (a) Eligibility requirements in subsection (2)(b), (c), and (d) of this section; and

     (b) Qualified alien requirements for lawful permanent residents, parolees, conditional entrants, or domestic violence victims as described in WAC 388-424-0005 (3)(a), (c), (f), or (i).

     (5))) Children under the age of twenty-one are eligible for CN medical assistance when they meet:

     (a) Citizenship or immigrant status, state residence, and social security number requirements as described in subsection (2)(a), (b), and (c) of this section;

     (b) Income levels described in WAC 388-478-0075 when income is counted according to WAC 388-408-0055 (1)(c); and

     (c) One of the following criteria:

     (i) Reside in a medical hospital, intermediate care facility for mentally retarded (ICF/MR), or nursing facility for more than thirty days;

     (ii) Reside in a psychiatric or chemical dependency facility;

     (iii) Are in foster care; or

     (iv) Receive subsidized adoption services.

     (((6))) (5) Children are eligible for CN medical assistance if they:

     (a) Receive Supplemental Security Income (SSI) payments based upon their own disability; or

     (b) Received SSI cash assistance for August 1996, and except for the August 1996 passage of amendments to federal disability definitions, would be eligible for SSI cash assistance.

     (((7))) (6) Children under the age of nineteen are eligible for Medically Needy (MN) medical assistance as defined in chapter 388-500 WAC when they:

     (a) Meet citizenship or immigrant status, state residence, and social security number requirements as described in subsection (2)(a), (b), and (c); and

     (b) Have income above the income levels described in WAC 388-478-0075 (1)(c).

     (((8) Children described in subsection (4)(a) and (b) whose countable income exceeds the standard in WAC 388-478-0075 (1)(c) are eligible for state-funded MN scope of care.

     (9))) (7) A child is eligible for SSI-related MN when the child:

     (a) Meets the blind and/or disability criteria of the federal SSI program or the condition in subsection (((6)))(5)(b); and

     (b) Has countable income above the level described in WAC 388-478-0070(1).

     (((10) Noncitizen children, including visitors or students from another country and undocumented children, under the age of eighteen are eligible for the state-funded children's health program, if:

     (a) The department determines the child ineligible for any CN or MN scope of care medical program;

     (b) They meet family income levels described in WAC 388-478-0075 (1)(a); and

     (c) They meet state residency requirements as described in chapter 388-468 WAC.

     (11))) (8) There are no resource limits for children under((:

     (a) CN or MN coverage;

     (b) State-funded CN or MN scope of care; or

     (c) The children's health programs.

     (12))).

     (9) Children may also be eligible for:

     (a) Family medical as described in WAC 388-505-0220; or

     (b) Medical extensions as described in WAC 388-523-0100.

     (((13))) (10) Except for a client described in subsection (((5)))(4)(c)(i) and (ii), an inmate of a public institution, as defined in WAC 388-500-0005, is not eligible for CN or MN medical coverage.

[Statutory Authority: RCW 74.08.090, 74.04.050, [74.04.]055, and [74.04.]057. 01-11-110, § 388-505-0210, filed 5/21/01, effective 6/21/01. Statutory Authority: RCW 74.08.090 and 74.08A.100. 99-17-023, § 388-505-0210, filed 8/10/99, effective 9/10/99. Statutory Authority: RCW 74.04.050, 74.04.055, 74.04.057 and 74.08.090. 98-16-044, § 388-505-0210, filed 7/31/98, effective 9/1/98. Formerly WAC 388-509-0905, 388-509-0910 and 388-509-0920.]


AMENDATORY SECTION(Amending WSR 01-11-110, filed 5/21/01, effective 6/21/01)

WAC 388-505-0220   Family medical eligibility.   (1) A person is eligible for categorically needy (CN) medical assistance when they are:

     (a) Receiving temporary assistance for needy families (TANF) cash benefits;

     (b) Receiving cash diversion assistance, except SFA relatable families, described in chapter 388-222 WAC;

     (c) Eligible for TANF cash benefits but choose not to receive; or

     (d) Not eligible for or receiving TANF cash assistance, but meet the eligibility criteria for aid to families with dependent children (AFDC) in effect on July 16, 1996 except that:

     (i) Earned income is treated as described in WAC 388-450-0210; and

     (ii) Resources are treated as described in WAC 388-470-0005 for applicants and WAC 388-470-0050 and 388-470-0026 for recipients.

     (2) A person is eligible for CN family medical coverage when the person is not eligible for or receiving cash benefits solely because the person:

     (a) Received sixty months of TANF cash benefits or is a member of an assistance unit which has received sixty months of TANF cash benefits;

     (b) Failed to meet the school attendance requirement in chapter 388-400 WAC;

     (c) Is an unmarried minor parent who is not in a department-approved living situation;

     (d) Is a parent or caretaker relative who fails to notify the department within five days of the date the child leaves the home and the child's absence will exceed ninety days;

     (e) Is a fleeing felon or fleeing to avoid prosecution for a felony charge, or a probation and parole violator;

     (f) Was convicted of a drug related felony;

     (g) Was convicted of receiving benefits unlawfully;

     (h) Was convicted of misrepresenting residence to obtain assistance in two or more states;

     (i) Has gross earnings exceeding the TANF gross income level; or

     (j) Is not cooperating with WorkFirst requirements.

     (3) ((A person is eligible for state-funded CN scope of care family medical when the person:

     (a) Is eligible for or receiving SFA cash benefits;

     (b) Is receiving SFA cash diversion assistance described in chapter 388-222 WAC;

     (c) Is not eligible for or receiving SFA solely due to factors described in subsection (2)(a) through (j) of this section; or

     (d) Meets the criteria of (1)(d) of this section.

     (4))) An adult must cooperate with the division of child support in the identification, use, and collection of medical support from responsible third parties, unless the person meets the medical exemption criteria described in WAC 388-505-0540 or the medical good cause criteria described in chapter 388-422 WAC.

     (((5) When the only eligible child in an SFA cash assistance unit is over nineteen years of age the assistance unit is not eligible for a family medical program, but individual members shall be redetermined for eligibility for other medical programs.

     (6))) (4) Except for a client described in WAC 388-505-0210 (((5))) (4)(c)(i) and (ii), a person who is an inmate of a public institution, as defined in WAC 388-500-0005, is not eligible for CN or MN medical coverage.

[Statutory Authority: RCW 74.08.090, 74.04.050, [74.04.]055, and [74.04.]057. 01-11-110, § 388-505-0220, filed 5/21/01, effective 6/21/01; 98-16-044, § 388-505-0220, filed 7/31/98, effective 9/1/98. Formerly WAC 388-507-0740 and 388-522-2210.]

3118.1
AMENDATORY SECTION(Amending WSR 01-05-041, filed 2/14/01, effective 3/17/01)

WAC 388-438-0110   The alien emergency medical (AEM) program.   (1) The alien emergency medical (AEM) program is a federally-funded program. It is for aliens who are ineligible for other Medicaid programs, due to citizenship or alien status requirements described in WAC 388-424-0005 and 388-424-0010.

     (2) Except for the Social Security Number, citizenship, or alien status requirements, an alien must meet categorical Medicaid eligibility requirements as described in:

     (a) WAC 388-505-0110, for an SSI-related person;

     (b) WAC 388-505-0220, for family medical programs;

     (c) WAC 388-505-0210, for a child under the age of nineteen; or

     (d) WAC 388-523-0100, for medical extensions.

     (3) When an alien has monthly income which exceeds the CN medical standards, the department will consider AEM medically needy coverage for children or for adults who are age sixty-five or over or who meet SSI disability criteria. See WAC 388-519-0100.

     (4) To qualify for the AEM program, the alien must have:

     (a) An emergency medical condition as described in WAC 388-500-0005; or

     (b) Been approved by the department as requiring nursing facility or COPES level of care.

     (5) The alien's date of arrival in the United States is not used when determining eligibility for the AEM program.

     (6) The department does not deem a sponsor's income and resources as available to the client when determining eligibility for the AEM program. The department counts only the income and resources a sponsor makes available to the client.

[Statutory Authority: RCW 74.08.090 and C.F.R. 436.128, 436.406(c) and 440.255. 01-05-041, § 388-438-0110, filed 2/14/01, effective 3/17/01. Statutory Authority: RCW 74.08.090, 74.04.050, 74.04.057, 74.09.530, 42 C.F.R. 435.139 and 42 C.F.R. 440.255. 99-23-082, § 388-438-0110, filed 11/16/99, effective 12/17/99. Statutory Authority: RCW 74.04.050, 74.04.055, 74.04.057 and 74.08.090. 98-16-044, § 388-438-0110, filed 7/31/98, effective 9/1/98.]

3119.1
AMENDATORY SECTION(Amending WSR 02-10-018, filed 4/22/02, effective 5/23/02)

WAC 388-523-0100   Medical extensions -- Eligibility.   (1) A family who received temporary assistance for needy families (TANF), ((state family assistance (SFA) cash,)) or family medical program in any three of the last six months in the state of Washington is eligible for extended medical benefits when they become ineligible for their current medical program because the family receives:

     (a) Child or spousal support, which exceeds the payment standard described in WAC 388-478-0065, and they are not eligible for any other categorically needy (CN) medical program; or

     (b) Increased earned income, resulting in income exceeding the CN income standard described in WAC 388-478-0065.

     (2) A family is eligible to receive extended medical benefits beginning the month after termination from TANF((/SFA)) cash or family medical program for:

     (a) Four months for a family described in subsection (1)(a) of this section; or

     (b) Up to twelve months, in two six-month segments, for a family described in subsection (1)(b) of this section. For the purposes of this chapter, months one through six are the initial six-month extension period. Months seven through twelve are the second six-month extension period.

     (3) A family member is eligible to receive six months of medical extension benefits as described in subsection (2)(b) of this section unless:

     (a) The individual family member:

     (i) Moves out of state;

     (ii) Dies;

     (iii) Becomes an inmate of a public institution;

     (iv) Leaves the household; or

     (v) Does not cooperate, without good cause, with the division of child support or with third party liability requirements.

     (b) The family:

     (i) Moves out of state;

     (ii) Loses contact with the department or the department does not know the whereabouts of the family; or

     (iii) No longer includes a child as defined in WAC 388-404-0005(1).

     (4) A family member is eligible to receive the second six months of medical extension benefits as described in subsection (2)(b) of this section unless:

     (a) The family is no longer eligible for the reasons described in subsection (3)(a) or (b); or

     (b) The individual family member is the caretaker adult who:

     (i) Stops working or whose earned income stops;

     (ii) Does not, without good cause, complete and return the completed medical extension report or otherwise provide the required income and child care information; or

     (iii) Does not, without good cause, pay the billed premium amount for one month.

     (5) A family described in subsection (3) will not receive medical extension benefits for any family member who has been found ineligible for TANF/SFA cash because of fraud in any of the six months prior to the medical extension period.

     (6) For the purposes of this chapter, only individual family members that are eligible for Medicaid are certified to receive medical benefits under this program.

[Statutory Authority: RCW 74.08.090 and 2001 c 7 § 209. 02-10-018, § 388-523-0100, filed 4/22/02, effective 5/23/02. Statutory Authority: RCW 74.04.050, 74.04.055, 74.04.057 and 74.08.090. 98-16-044, § 388-523-0100, filed 7/31/98, effective 9/1/98. Formerly WAC 388-522-2210, 388-523-2305 and 388-523-2320.]

3120.1
AMENDATORY SECTION(Amending WSR 98-16-044, filed 7/31/98, effective 9/1/98)

WAC 388-462-0015   Medical programs for pregnant women.   (1) A pregnant woman is eligible for medical services described in this chapter only when her pregnancy is confirmed by a licensed medical practitioner, licensed laboratory, community clinic, family planning clinic, or health department clinic.

     (2) A pregnant woman is eligible for CN ((medical)) Medicaid coverage if she meets the following requirements as described in WAC 388-503-0505:

     (a) Citizenship or immigration status (chapter 388-424 WAC); and

     (b) Social Security Account Number (chapter 388-474 WAC); and

     (c) Washington state residence (chapter 388-468 WAC); and

     (d) Countable income meets the standard described in WAC 388-478-0075.

     (3) A pregnant woman is considered for medically needy (MN) program coverage if she meets the requirements in subsection (2)(a) through (c) of this section and:

     (a) Her countable income is greater than the standard in subsection (2)(d) of this section; and

     (b) Her countable resources do not exceed the standard in WAC 388-478-0070.

     (4) A pregnant woman is eligible for CN scope of care under the state-funded pregnant woman program if she is not eligible for programs in subsection (2) of this section due to citizenship, immigrant or Social Security Number requirements.

     (5) A pregnant woman is considered for MN scope of care under the state-funded pregnant woman program if:

     (a) She is not eligible for the program under subsection (4) of this section because her income exceeds the standard; and

     (b) Her resources do not exceed the standard in WAC 388-478-0070.

     (6) A pregnant woman is considered for the medically indigent (MI) program if her resources exceed the standards in WAC 388-478-0070.

     (7) Only the income of an unmarried father of an unborn child that is actually contributed to a pregnant woman is considered as income to her.

     (8) There are no resource limits for the programs described in subsections (2) and (4) of this section.

     (9) The assignment of child support and medical support rights as described in chapter 388-422 WAC do not apply to pregnant women.

     (10) Unless stated otherwise, this section contains the only eligibility requirements for pregnant women to qualify for medical coverage.

     (11) A woman who was eligible for and received medical coverage on the last day of pregnancy is eligible for extended medical benefits for postpartum care through the end of the month:

     (a) Which includes the sixtieth day from the end of the pregnancy, for a pregnant woman receiving Medical in any program except Medically Indigent (MI); or

     (b) The pregnancy ends, for a pregnant woman receiving MI benefits.

     (12) A woman who was eligible for a medical program on the last day of pregnancy is eligible for family planning services for twelve months from the end of the pregnancy.

[Statutory Authority: RCW 74.04.050, 74.04.055, 74.04.057 and 74.08.090. 98-16-044, § 388-462-0015, filed 7/31/98, effective 9/1/98. Formerly WAC 388-508-0820, 388-508-0830, 388-522-2230 and 388-508-0835.]

3121.1
AMENDATORY SECTION(Amending WSR 01-18-006, filed 8/22/01, effective 9/22/01)

WAC 388-470-0026   Excluded resources for family medical programs.   "Continuously eligible" means, for the purposes of this chapter, there has not been a break of a calendar month or more in a client's eligibility since the date the client received resources in an amount that would cause the client to exceed the resource limit of a family medical program.

     (1) The department does not count any increase in a client's resources received while a client:

     (a) Is eligible for and receiving coverage under a family medical program; and

     (b) Remains continuously eligible for a family medical program.

     (2) The department does not count the resource increase for a client:

     (a) Who meets the requirement of subsection (1)(a) of this section;

     (b) Whose family medical program is terminated; and

     (c) Who is later found eligible for all months since the termination, which may include a retroactive period of up to three months.

     (3) The department counts the resource increase when the client is ineligible for a family medical program for a full calendar month or more except as described in subsection (2) of this section.

     (4) When determining the eligibility of a Holocaust survivor for a family medical program, the department does not count the recoveries of:

     (a) Insurance proceeds; and

     (b) Other assets.

     (5) For the purposes of this section, a family medical ((programs include)) program includes the medical extension benefits as described in WAC 388-523-0100.

[Statutory Authority: RCW 74.04.050, 74.04.057, 74.08.090, 74.09.530 and 2000 2nd sp.s. c 1 § 210(12). 01-18-006, § 388-470-0026, filed 8/22/01, effective 9/22/01.]


AMENDATORY SECTION(Amending WSR 98-16-044, filed 7/31/98, effective 9/1/98)

WAC 388-470-0070   How vehicles are counted toward the resource limit for cash assistance and ((TANF/SFA-related)) family medical programs.   (1) A vehicle is any device for carrying persons and objects by land, water, or air.

     (2) The entire value of a licensed vehicle needed to transport a physically disabled assistance unit member is excluded.

     (3) The equity value of one vehicle up to five thousand dollars is excluded when the vehicle is used by the assistance unit or household as a means of transportation. Each separate medical assistance unit is allowed this exclusion.

[Statutory Authority: RCW 74.04.050, 74.04.055, 74.04.057 and 74.08.090. 98-16-044, § 388-470-0070, filed 7/31/98, effective 9/1/98. Formerly WAC 388-506-0610.]

3122.2
AMENDATORY SECTION(Amending WSR 02-07-090, filed 3/19/02, effective 4/1/02)

WAC 388-478-0075   Medical programs--Monthly income standards based on the federal poverty level (FPL).   (1) The department bases the income standard upon the Federal Poverty Level (FPL) for the following medical programs:

     (a) ((Children's health program up to one hundred percent of FPL;

     (b))) Pregnant women's program up to one hundred eighty-five percent of FPL;

     (((c))) (b) Children's categorically needy program up to two hundred percent of FPL;

     (((d))) (c) Healthcare for workers with disabilities (HWD) up to two hundred twenty percent of FPL; and

     (((e))) (d) The state children's health insurance program (SCHIP) is over two hundred percent of FPL but under two hundred fifty percent of FPL.

     (2) Beginning April 1, 2002, the monthly FPL standards are:


FAMILY

SIZE

100%

FPL

185%

FPL

200%

FPL

220%

FPL

250%

FPL

1 $739 $1366 $1477 $1625 $1846
2 $995 $1841 $1990 $2189 $2488
3 $1252 $2316 $2504 $2754 $3130
4 $1509 $2791 $3017 $3319 $3771
5 $1765 $3266 $3530 $3883 $4413
6 $2022 $3741 $4044 $4448 $5055
7 $2279 $4215 $4557 $5013 $5696
8 $2535 $4690 $5070 $5577 $6338
9 $2792 $5165 $5584 $6142 $6980
10 $3049 $5640 $6097 $6707 $7621
Add to the ten person standard for each person over ten:
$257 $475 $514 $565 $642

     (3) There are no resource limits for the programs under this section.

[Statutory Authority: RCW 74.04.050, 74.08.090, 74.09.500, 74.09.510, and Section 1902 (a)(10)(A)(ii)(XV) and (XVI) of the Social Security Act. 02-07-090, § 388-478-0075, filed 3/19/02, effective 4/1/02. Statutory Authority: RCW 74.08.090, 74.04.050, 74.04.057, 74.09.530, and Section 673(2) (42 U.S.C. 9902(2)). 01-18-056, § 388-478-0075, filed 8/30/01, effective 9/30/01; 00-17-085, § 388-478-0075, filed 8/14/00, effective 9/14/00; 99-19-005, § 388-478-0075, filed 9/3/99, effective 10/4/99. Statutory Authority: RCW 74.04.050, 74.04.055, 74.04.057 and 74.08.090. 98-16-044, § 388-478-0075, filed 7/31/98, effective 9/1/98. Formerly WAC 388-507-0805, 388-508-0810, 388-509-0910, 388-509-0920, 388-509-0940 and 388-509-0960.]

3123.2
AMENDATORY SECTION(Amending WSR 99-16-024, filed 7/26/99, effective 9/1/99)

WAC 388-450-0005   Income--Ownership and availability.   This section applies to cash assistance, medical programs for children, pregnant women and families, and food assistance.

     (1) ((For TANF/SFA, RCA, GA, TANF/SFA-related medical and food assistance programs:

     (a))) The department counts all available income owned or possessed by a client ((is considered when determining)) to figure the client's eligibility and benefit level((.

     (b) Ownership of income is determined according to)) when:

     (a) You get or expect to get the income in the month.

     (b) It is income we must count under chapter 388-450 WAC.

     (c) You own the income. We use applicable state and federal laws pertaining to property ownership ((and eligibility for assistance programs)) to determine if you actually own the income. For married persons, ownership of separate and community income is determined according to chapter 26.16 RCW.

     (((c) Income owned by a client is considered available when it is at hand and may be used to meet the client's current need))

     (d) You have control over the income, which means the income is actually available to you.

     (e) You can user the income to meet your current needs. We count the gross amount of available income ((is counted)) in the month it is received((.)):

     (i) If the income is usually available on a specific day, ((it is considered)) we consider it to be available on that date.

     (ii) If you usually get the income ((is usually received)) monthly or semi-monthly and ((the)) your pay date changes due to a reason beyond ((the client's)) your control, such as a weekend or holiday, ((it is counted)) we count it in the month you actually get it ((is intended to cover rather than the month it is actually received)).

     (iii) If you usually get the income ((is usually received)) weekly or bi-weekly and ((the)) your pay date changes due to a reason beyond ((the client's)) your control, ((it is counted)) we count it in the month ((it is received)) you get it.

     (((d) The income of a person who is not a member of a client's assistance unit may be considered available to the client under the rules of this chapter if the person is financially responsible for the client and lives in the home with the client. For medical programs, financial responsibility is described in WAC 388-408-0055.

     (e) For medical programs, the income of a financially responsible person, not living in the home is considered available to the extent it is contributed.

     (f) Funds))

     (2) We consider the income that is legally yours as available income, even if it is paid to someone else for you. For example, the father of your child has a court order to pay you two hundred fifty dollars per month in child support. Instead of giving the money directly to you (as required in the court order), he gives the money to your landlord to pay part of your rent. We still count the two hundred fifty dollars as income even though you never actually got the money.

     (3) We may also count the income of certain people who live in your home, even if they are not getting assistance. Their income counts as part of your income.

     (a) For cash assistance, we count the income of ineligible, disqualified, or financially responsible people as defined in WAC 388-405-0100.

     (b) For food assistance, we count the income of ineligible assistance unit members as defined in WAC 388-408-0035.

     (c) For family and SSI-related medical assistance, we count the income of financially responsible people as defined in WAC 388-408-0055 and chapter 388-475 WAC.

     (d) For long-term care services, we count the income of financially responsible people as defined in WAC 388-506-0620.

     (4) If you have a joint bank account with someone who is not in your AU, we consider any money deposited into ((a bank)) that account ((which is held jointly by a client and another are considered income possessed by and available to the client)) as your income unless:

     (i) ((The client)) You can show that all or part of the funds belong exclusively to the other account holder and are held or used solely for the benefit of that holder; or

     (ii) ((The funds have been considered by the)) Social Security Administration (SSA) ((when determining)) used that money to determine the other account holder's eligibility for SSI benefits.

     (((g))) (5) Potential income is income ((a client)) you may have access to that can be used to reduce the need for assistance. ((For cash and medical programs, when the department determines)) If we determine that a potential income source exists, ((the client may be denied assistance when the client fails or refuses to)) you must make a reasonable effort to make the income available((.

     (i) A client's eligibility is not affected until the income is received as long as the client makes reasonable efforts to make potential income available; and

     (ii) A client may)) in order to get cash or medical assistance.

     (a) We do not count that income until you actually get it; and

     (b) You can choose whether to receive TANF/SFA or Supplemental Security Income (SSI) benefits.

     (((2) For TANF/SFA, RCA, GA and food assistance programs))

     (6) The income of an alien's sponsor is considered available to the alien under the rules of this chapter when determining the alien's eligibility and benefit level.

     (((3))) (7) For SSI-related medical:

     (a) Income is considered available and owned when it is:

     (i) Received; and

     (ii) Can be used to meet the clients needs for food, clothing and shelter, except as provided in WAC 388-511-1130.

     (b) Loans and certain other receipts are not defined as income for SSI-related medical purposes as described in 20 C.F.R. Sec. 416.1103.

     (((4))) (8) For medical programs, ((trusts are described in WAC 388-505-0595)) see WAC 388-561-0100 for more information about trusts.

     (9) You may give us proof about an income source anytime, including when we ask for it or if you disagree with a decision we made, about:

     (a) Who owns the income;

     (b) Who has legal control of the income;

     (c) The amount of the income; or

     (d) The availability of the income.

[Statutory Authority: RCW 74.08.090 and 74.04.510. 99-16-024, § 388-450-0005, filed 7/26/99, effective 9/1/99. Statutory Authority: RCW 74.04.050, 74.04.055, 74.04.057 and 74.08.090. 98-16-044, § 388-450-0005, filed 7/31/98, effective 9/1/98. Formerly WAC 388-505-0590 and 388-506-0610.]

3124.1
AMENDATORY SECTION(Amending WSR 00-18-057, filed 9/1/00, effective 9/4/00)

WAC 388-450-0035   Educational benefits.   This section applies to ((TANF/SFA, RCA, GA, TANF/SFA-related medical and food assistance programs. Unless otherwise stated, exclusions and disregards of educational benefits apply to clients engaged in undergraduate studies only.

     (1) We exclude the)) cash assistance, medical programs for children, pregnant women and families, and food assistance.

     (1) We do not count:

     (a) Educational assistance in the form of grants, loans or work study, issued from Title IV of the Higher Education Amendments (Title IV - HEA) and Bureau of Indian Affairs (BIA) education assistance programs. Examples of Title IV - HEA and BIA educational assistance include but are not limited to:

     (((a))) (i) College work study (federal and state);

     (((b))) (ii) Pell grants; and

     (((c))) (iii) BIA higher education grants.

     (((2) We do not count the following types of educational assistance, in the form of grants, loans, or work study when determining a student's need:

     (a) Assistance under the Carl D. Perkins Vocational and Applied Technology Education Act, P.L. 101-391 for attendance costs identified by the institution as specified in subsections (3) and (4) of this section; and

     (b) Educational assistance made available under any program administered by the Department of Education (DOE) to an undergraduate student. Examples of programs administered by DOE include but are not limited to:

     (i) Christa McAuliffe Fellowship Program;

     (ii) Jacob K. Javits Fellowship Program; and

     (iii) Library Career Training Program.

     (3) Educational assistance under subsection (2)(a) of this section is disregarded when used for the following attendance costs when a student is attending school less than half-time:

     (a) Tuition;

     (b) Fees; and

     (c) Costs for purchase or rental of equipment, materials, or supplies required of all students in the same course of study.

     (4) Educational assistance under subsection (2)(a) of this section that is used for the following expenses is disregarded in addition to the costs specified in subsection (3) of this section when the student is attending school at least half-time:

     (a) Books;

     (b) Supplies;

     (c) Transportation;

     (d) Dependent care; and

     (e) Miscellaneous personal expenses.

     (5) For TANF/SFA, RCA, GA, and TANF/SFA-related medical assistance, the amount of a student's remaining educational assistance equal to the difference between the student's appropriate need standard and payment standard is excluded.

     (6) Any remaining income is unearned income and budgeted using the appropriate budgeting method for the assistance unit.

     (7) When a student participates in WorkFirst work study, educational assistance made available to the student is:

     (a) Disregarded for cash and medical assistance;

     (b) Counted as earned income for food assistance.

     (8) When a student participates in a work study program that is not excluded by subsections (1) and (2) or (7)(a) of this section, the income received is treated as earned income:

     (a) Applying the applicable earned income disregards;

     (b) For TANF/SFA, RCA, GA, and TANF/SFA-related medical assistance, excluding the difference between the student's appropriate need standard and payment standard; and

     (c) Budgeting remaining income using the appropriate budgeting method for the assistance unit.

     (9) When a student receives Veteran's Administration Educational Assistance:

     (a) All applicable attendance costs are subtracted; and

     (b) The remaining unearned income is budgeted using the appropriate budgeting method for the assistance unit.

     (10) When a student participates in graduate school studies, educational assistance made available to the student is counted as:

     (a) Assistance from another agency for cash and medical assistance;

     (b) Earned income for food assistance if there are work requirements; or

     (c) Unearned income for food assistance if there are no work requirements))

     (b) Educational assistance in the form of grants, loans or work-study made available under any program administered by the Department of Education (DOE) to an undergraduate student. Examples of programs administered by DOE include, but are not limited to:

     (i) Christa McAuliffe Fellowship Program;

     (ii) Jacob K. Javits Fellowship Program; and

     (iii) Library Career Training Program.

     (2) For assistance in the form of grants, loans or work-study under the Carl D. Perkins Vocational and Applied Technology Education Act, P.L. 101-391:

     (a) If you are attending school half-time or more, we subtract the following expenses:

     (i) Tuition;

     (ii) Fees;

     (iii) Costs for purchase or rental of equipment, materials, or supplies required of all students in the same course of study;

     (iv) Books;

     (v) Supplies;

     (vi) Transportation;

     (vii) Dependent care; and

     (viii) Miscellaneous personal expenses.    

     (b) If you are attending school less than half-time, we subtract the following expenses:

     (i) Tuition;

     (ii) Fees; and

     (iii) Costs for purchase or rental of equipment, materials, or supplies required of all students in the same course of study.

     (c) For cash assistance and medical programs for children, pregnant women and families, we also subtract the difference between the appropriate need standard and payment standard for your family size.

     (d) Any remaining income is unearned income and budgeted using the appropriate budgeting method for the assistance unit.

     (3) If you are participating in WorkFirst work study, that work study income is:

     (a)_Not counted for cash and medical assistance;

     (b) Counted as earned income for food assistance.

     (4) If you are participating in a work study program that is not excluded in subsection (1), of this section, we count that work study income as earned income:

     (a) You get any applicable earned income disregards;

     (b) For cash assistance, and medical programs for children, pregnant women and families, we also subtract the difference between the need standard and payment standard for your family size as described in chapter 388-478 WAC; and

     (c) Budgeting remaining income using the appropriate budgeting method for the assistance unit.

     (5) If you get Veteran's Administration Educational Assistance:

     (a) All applicable attendance costs as subtracted; and

     (b) The remaining unearned income is budgeted using the appropriate budgeting method for the assistance unit.

[Statutory Authority: RCW 74.08.090 and 74.04.050. 00-18-057, § 388-450-0035, filed 9/1/00, effective 9/4/00. Statutory Authority: RCW 74.08.090 and 74.04.510. 99-16-024, § 388-450-0035, filed 7/26/99, effective 9/1/99. Statutory Authority: RCW 74.04.050, 74.04.055, 74.04.057 and 74.08.090. 98-16-044, § 388-450-0035, filed 7/31/98, effective 9/1/98.]

3125.1
AMENDATORY SECTION(Amending WSR 99-16-024, filed 7/26/99, effective 9/1/99)

WAC 388-450-0065   Gifts--Cash and noncash.   A gift is an item furnished to a client without work or cost on his or her part.

     (1) A cash gift is a gift that is furnished as money, cash, checks or any other readily negotiable form.

     (a) For ((TANF/SFA, RCA, GA-S, GA-H, and TANF/SFA-related)) cash assistance and medical programs for children, pregnant women and families, cash gifts totaling no more than thirty dollars per calendar quarter for each assistance unit member are disregarded as income.

     (b) ((For GA-U, cash gifts are treated as unearned income.

     (c))) For food assistance programs:

     (i) Cash gifts to the assistance unit are excluded if they total thirty dollars or less per quarter;

     (ii) Cash gifts in excess of thirty dollars per quarter are counted in full as unearned income.

     (2) For ((TANF/SFA, RCA, GA-S, GA-H, GA-U and TANF/SFA-related)) cash assistance and medical programs for children, pregnant women and families, and food assistance, a noncash gift is treated as a resource.

     (a) If the gift is a countable resource, its value is added to the value of the client's existing countable resources and the client's eligibility is redetermined as specified in chapter 388-470 WAC.

     (b) If the gift is an excluded or noncountable resource, it does not affect the client's eligibility or benefit level.

[Statutory Authority: RCW 74.08.090 and 74.04.510. 99-16-024, § 388-450-0065, filed 7/26/99, effective 9/1/99. Statutory Authority: RCW 74.04.050, 74.04.055, 74.04.057 and 74.08.090. 98-16-044, § 388-450-0065, filed 7/31/98, effective 9/1/98.]

3126.1
AMENDATORY SECTION(Amending WSR 98-16-044, filed 7/31/98, effective 9/1/98)

WAC 388-450-0170   TANF/SFA earned income incentive and deduction.   (((1))) This section applies to((:

     (a))) TANF/SFA, ((GA-S, GA-H; and

     (b) TANF/SFA-related)) RCA, and medical programs for children, pregnant women, and families except as specified under WAC 388-450-0210.

     (((2) When determining countable income,))

     (1) If a client works, the department only counts some of the income to determine eligibility and benefit level.

     (2) We only count fifty percent of ((a client's)) your monthly gross earned income ((is disregarded as an incentive to employment)). We do this to encourage you to work.

     (3) ((The actual cost of care of each dependent child or incapacitated adult living in the same home and receiving TANF/SFA is deducted when determining countable income under the following conditions:

     (a) An applicant is eligible for a dependent care deduction for expenses incurred prior to the open effective date in the month of grant opening on a prorated basis;

     (b) A recipient is eligible for a dependent care deduction if:

     (i) The assistance unit received AFDC on October 13, 1988;

     (ii) The dependent care deduction was applied when determining the benefit level for that month;

     (iii) The assistance unit has remained continuously eligible for AFDC or TANF/SFA since that time; and

     (iv) The assistance unit has chosen to use the deduction rather than state-paid dependent care.

     (4) The dependent care deduction specified in subsection (3) of this section is not allowed unless:

     (a) The care provided by a parent or stepparent;

     (b) The care provider verifies the cost incurred;

     (c) The cost is incurred for the month of employment being reported; and

     (d) The amount deducted for each dependent child or incapacitated adult, depending on the number of hours worked per month does not exceed the following)) If you pay for care before we approve your benefits, we subtract the amount you pay for those dependent children or incapacitated adults who get cash assistance with you.

     (a) The amount we subtract is:

     (i) Prorated according to the date you are eligible for benefits;

     (ii) Cannot be more than your gross monthly income; and

     (iii) Cannot exceed the following for each dependent child or incapacitated adult:

Dependent Care Maximum Deductions
Hours Worked Per Month ((Dependent)) Child Under Two Years of Age ((or Older)) ((Dependent Under)) Child Over Two Years of Age or Incapacitated Adult
0 - 40 $ 43.75 $ 50.00
41 - 80 $ 87.50 $ 100.00
81 - 120 $ 131.25 $ 150.00
121 or More $ 175.00 $ 200.00
     (b) In order to get this deduction:

     (i) The person providing the care must be someone other than the parent or stepparent of the child or incapacitated adult; and

     (ii) You must verify the expense.

[Statutory Authority: RCW 74.04.050, 74.04.055, 74.04.057 and 74.08.090. 98-16-044, § 388-450-0170, filed 7/31/98, effective 9/1/98.]

3127.1
AMENDATORY SECTION(Amending WSR 02-03-009, filed 1/4/02, effective 2/4/02)

WAC 388-450-0210   Countable income for medical programs.   (1) For purposes of medical program eligibility, a client's countable income is income which remains when:

     (a) The income cannot be specifically excluded; and

     (b) All appropriate deductions and disregards allowed by a specific program, have been applied.

     (2) A client's countable income cannot exceed the income standard for the specific medical programs described in WAC 388-478-0065, 388-478-0070, 388-478-0075, 388-478-0080, or 388-513-1305, 388-513-1315, or 388-513-1395 unless the program allows for those limits to be exceeded.

     (3) Unless modified by subsection (4) of this section, the TANF/SFA income rules, as described in this chapter, are used to determine a client's countable income for the following programs:

     (a) Family medical program as described in WAC 388-505-0220;

     (b) Medical extensions as described in chapter 388-523 WAC;

     (c) Pregnant women's program as described in WAC 388-462-0015;

     (d) Children's medical program as described in WAC 388-505-0210;

     (e) ((Children's health program as described in WAC 388-505-0210; and

     (f))) Medically Indigent (MI) program as described in WAC 388-438-0100.

     (4) Exceptions to the TANF/SFA cash assistance methodology apply as follows:

     (a) The financial responsibility of relatives when a client is applying for medical for families, children, pregnant women or for the medically indigent program is specified in WAC 388-408-0055;

     (b) Actual work-related child and dependent care expenses, which are the client's responsibility, are income deductions (the limits on this deduction in WAC 388-450-0170 (3) and (4) do not apply);

     (c) Court or administratively ordered current or back support paid to meet the needs of legal dependents, are income deductions;

     (d) Only income actually contributed to an alien client from the alien's sponsor is countable unless the sponsor signed the affidavit of support I-864 or I-864A. See subsection (5) of this section;

     (e) TANF/SFA gross earned income limits as described in WAC 388-450-0165 do not apply;

     (f) The fifty percent earned income deduction is not used to calculate countable income for CN programs with income levels based upon the Federal Poverty Level (FPL). These programs are listed in subsection (3)(c), and (d) ((and (e))) of this section. The only work related income deductions for these programs are:

     (i) Ninety dollars; and

     (ii) Actual work-related child and dependent care expenses, as described in (b) of this subsection; and

     (iii) Child support as described in (c) of this subsection.

     (g) When determining medically needy (MN) or MN scope of care coverage for children or pregnant women for the programs described in subsection (3)(c) and (d), the exception described in subsection (4)(f) is not used as the MN income standards are not based on the FPL;

     (h) A nonrecurring lump sum payment is considered as income in the month the client receives payment, and a resource if the client retains the payment after the month of receipt;

     (i) Diversion cash assistance (DCA), is not countable income;

     (j) Effective April 1, 2002, the department will disregard an increase in earned income when:

     (i) A family is receiving benefits under the family medical program; and

     (ii) The increase occurs during the second or third month of eligibility. The disregard stops the last day of the third month of eligibility for a family medical program.

     (5) When an alien's sponsor has signed the affidavit of support I-864 or I-864A, the sponsor's income and resources are counted as described in WAC 388-450-0155, 388-450-0156, 388-450-0160, and 388-470-0060.

     (6) Except when this state has adopted more liberal rules, SSI income rules are used to determine a client's countable income for the following programs:

     (a) SSI-related CN or MN; and

     (b) Medicare savings programs. Refer to chapter 388-475 WAC.

[Statutory Authority: RCW 74.08.090, 74.08A.100, and Title XIX State Plan amendment 00-008. 02-03-009, § 388-450-0210, filed 1/4/02, effective 2/4/02. Statutory Authority: RCW 74.04.050, 74.04.055, 74.04.057 and 74.08.090. 98-16-044, § 388-450-0210, filed 7/31/98, effective 9/1/98. Formerly WAC 388-505-0580, 388-505-0590 and 388-519-1910.]

3128.1
AMENDATORY SECTION(Amending WSR 98-16-044, filed 7/31/98, effective 9/1/98)

WAC 388-450-0105   Allocating the income of a financially responsible person included in the assistance unit.   This section applies to TANF/SFA, ((GA-S, RCA, RMA and TANF-related medical programs)) RCA, and RMA. Refer to WAC 388-408-0055 for the rules concerning the treatment of income of financially responsible person for medical programs. The income of a financially responsible person included in the assistance unit is countable to meet the needs of the assistance unit after the income is reduced by the following:

     (1) Any applicable earned income incentive and work expense or deduction for the financially responsible person in the assistance unit, if that person is employed;

     (2) The payment standard amount for the ineligible assistance unit members living in the home; and

     (3) An amount not to exceed the department's standard of need for court or administratively ordered current or back support for legal dependents.

[Statutory Authority: RCW 74.04.050, 74.04.055, 74.04.057 and 74.08.090. 98-16-044, § 388-450-0105, filed 7/31/98, effective 9/1/98.]

3129.1
AMENDATORY SECTION(Amending WSR 98-16-044, filed 7/31/98, effective 9/1/98)

WAC 388-408-0055   Medical assistance units.   (1) A medical assistance unit (MAU) is determined on the basis of relationship and financial responsibility.

     (a) Married persons, living together are financially responsible for each other;

     (b) Parents are financially responsible for their unmarried, minor children living in the same household;

     (c) A parent's financial responsibility is limited when their minor child is receiving inpatient chemical dependency or mental health treatment. Only the income a parent chooses to contribute to the child is considered available when:

     (i) The treatment is expected to last ninety days or more;

     (ii) The child is in court-ordered out-of-home care in accordance with chapter 13.34 RCW; or

     (iii) The department determines the parents are not exercising responsibility for the care and control of the child.

     (d) Minor children are not financially responsible for their parents or for their siblings.

     (2) Certain situations require the establishment of separate MAUs for some family members living in the same household. Separate MAUs are established for:

     (a) A pregnant minor, regardless of whether she lives with her parent(s);

     (b) A child with income;

     (c) A child with resources which makes another family member ineligible for medical assistance;

     (d) A child of unmarried parents when both parents reside with the child;

     (e) Each unmarried parent of a child in common, plus any of their children who are not in separate MAUs;

     (f) A ((nonresponsible)) caretaker relative that is not financially responsible for the support of the child;

     (g) SSI recipients or SSI-related persons ((related to SSI)) from the non-SSI related family members;

     (h) The purpose of applying medical income standards for an:

     (i) SSI-related applicant whose spouse is not relatable to SSI or is not applying for SSI-related medical; and

     (ii) Ineligible spouse of an SSI-recipient.

     (3) Only the parent's income actually contributed to a pregnant minor is considered income to the minor.

     (4) A parent's income up to one hundred percent of the Federal Poverty Level (FPL) is allocated to the parent and other members of the parent's MAU. The excess is allocated among their children in separate MAUs.

     (5) A parent's resources are allocated equally among the parent and all persons in the parent's household for whom the parent is financially responsible. This includes family members in separate MAUs.

     (6) Countable income for medical programs is described in WAC 388-450-0150 and 388-450-0210.

[Statutory Authority: RCW 74.04.050, 74.04.055, 74.04.057 and 74.08.090. 98-16-044, § 388-408-0055, filed 7/31/98, effective 9/1/98. Formerly WAC 388-506-0610, 388-506-0630 and 388-507-0730.]

3130.2
AMENDATORY SECTION(Amending WSR 00-08-002, filed 3/22/00, effective 5/1/00)

WAC 388-418-0025   Effect of changes on medical program eligibility.   (1) A client continues to be eligible for Medicaid until the department determines the client's ineligibility or eligibility for another medical program. This applies to a client who, during a certification period, becomes ineligible for, is terminated from, or requests termination from:

     (a) A CN Medicaid program ((or SFA-related medical program)); or

     (b) Any of the following cash grants:

     (i) TANF ((or SFA));

     (ii) SSI; or

     (iii) ((GA-H; or

     (iv))) GA-X. See WAC 388-434-0005 for changes reported during eligibility review.

     (2) A child remains continuously eligible for ((medical benefits)) CN Medicaid for a period of twelve months from the date of certification for medical benefits or last review, whichever is later. This applies unless the child:

     (a) Moves out of state;

     (b) Loses contact with the department or the department does not know the child's whereabouts;

     (c) ((Turns eighteen years of age if receiving children's health program benefits)) Becomes an inmate of a public institution, including a correctional facility (refer to WAC 388-505-0210(5) for exceptions);

     (d) Turns nineteen years of age ((if receiving children's CN or CN scope of care program benefits));

     (e) Dies; or

     (f) Receives benefits under the state children's health insurance program (SCHIP) and:

     (i) Does not pay health insurance premiums for four consecutive months; or

     (ii) Is determined to have had creditable coverage at the time of application. Refer to chapter 388-542 WAC.

     (3) When a client becomes ineligible for refugee cash assistance, refugee medical assistance can be continued only through the eight-month limit, as described in WAC 388-400-0035(((6))) (4).

     (4) A client receiving medical benefits ((under)) with a TANF ((or SFA)) cash grant or ((related)) family medical program is eligible for a medical extension, as described under WAC 388-523-0100, when the client's cash grant or ((related)) family medical program is terminated as a result of:

     (a) Earned income; or

     (b) Collection of child or spousal support.

     (5) A change in income during a certification period does not affect eligibility for:

     (a) Pregnant women's medical programs; or

     (b) The first six months of the ((TANF/SFA-related)) medical extension benefits.

     (6) For a child receiving benefits under SCHIP as described in chapter 388-542 WAC, the department must redetermine eligibility for a Medicaid program when the family reports:

     (a) Family income has decreased to less than two hundred percent FPL;

     (b) The child becomes pregnant;

     (c) A change in family size; or

     (d) The child receives SSI.

[Statutory Authority: RCW 74.04.050, 74.04.055, 74.04.057, 74.08.090 and 74.09.450. 00-08-002, § 388-418-0025, filed 3/22/00, effective 5/1/00. Statutory Authority: RCW 74.04.050, 74.04.057 and Section 4731 of the BBA (Public Law 105-33). 99-10-064, § 388-418-0025, filed 5/3/99, effective 6/3/99. Statutory Authority: RCW 74.04.050, 74.04.055, 74.04.057 and 74.08.090. 98-16-044, § 388-418-0025, filed 7/31/98, effective 9/1/98. Formerly WAC 388-508-0840, 388-509-0920, 388-509-0960, 388-522-2205 and 388-522-2210.]

© Washington State Code Reviser's Office