Subject of Possible Rule Making: WAC 388-478-0075 Medical programs -- Monthly income standards based on the federal poverty level (FPL) and 388-478-0085 Medicare savings programs -- Monthly income and countable resources 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 42 U.S.C. 9902(2).

     Reasons Why Rules on this Subject may be Needed and What They Might Accomplish: The department is amending these rules to update the medical programs standards to reflect the upcoming April 1, 2006, increase in the federal poverty level.

     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) 725-1328/1343, e-mail forslwc@dshs.wa.gov, fax (360) 664-0910, TTY 1-800-848-5429.

January 27, 2006

Andy Fernando, Manager

Rules and Policies Assistance Unit