HOUSE BILL ANALYSIS

                 2SSB 6167

 

Title:  An act relating to public assistance.

 

Brief Description:  Changing public assistance provisions.

 

Sponsors:Senators Fairley and Thibaudeau.

 

HOUSE COMMITTEE ON CHILDREN & FAMILY SERVICES

 

Meeting Date:February 22, 2000.

 

Bill Analysis Prepared by:  Deborah Frazier  (786-7152).

 

Background:  Applicants for public assistance must complete multiple forms for the various benefits for which they may be eligible.  Administrators must review the various forms to determine eligibility.

 

People leaving the Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF) program are usually eligible to continue to receive medical assistance.  However, for approximately 350 cases per year, assets exceed the current resource limit permissible under state law.

 

 Summary of Bill:  The bill requires the development and implementation of a single application form for public assistance programs.

 

The bill requires the Department of Social and Health Services to convene a work group which includes recipients of public assistance to establish customer service measures and goals.  Certain measures are suggested, including:  hours of operation; streamlining requirements; and wait times.  The department must report to the Legislature regarding the establish­ment of these goals by January 15, 2001, and must make a written report to the Legislature on the attainment of these goals twice per year.

 

The bill eliminates the asset test for eligibility for medical assistance for persons leaving the TANF program.

 

 Appropriation:None.

 

Fiscal Note:Available.

 

Effective Date:Ninety days after adjournment of session in which bill is passed.