Memo - 1999 Edition

MEMORANDUM

DATE: December 3, 1999

TO: Adult Public Assistance Manual Holders

FROM: Policy and Program Development Team

SUBJECT : Alaska Adult Public Assistance Program Manual, 1999 Edition

We are pleased to present you with the 1999 edition of the Adult Public Assistance manual. This edition does not present any new policy. However, in an effort to make the manual easier to use, the new edition:

presents information in a slightly different format,

expands the manual index,

updates examples with more current information, and

makes other minor technical corrections.

This new edition also removes information about referrals to the Alaska Longevity Bonus program, and implements new APA need and maximum payment standards beginning with the benefit month of January 2000.

Please address any questions or comments to the Policy and Program Development Team by e-mail at dpapolicy@health.state.ak.us, by SYSM to HPAPOLY, or call us at 465-3347.

COST OF LIVING ALLOWANCE ( COLA ) INCREASE

Effective January 1, 2000, a 2.4 % COLA increase will be granted to recipients of Social Security and SSI . APA need and maximum payment standards will also increase. The new standards are effective for the benefit month of January 2000.

Although the amount of APA benefits to SSI recipients will not change, APA payments to non- SSI recipients may decrease. However, no one will lose APA or APA -related Medicaid eligibility because of this COLA change.

Affected Manual Sections:

Section 451-3, APA Need Standards

This section is updated to reflect the 2.4 % COLA increases in the 2000 APA need standards.

Section 453, Maximum Payment Standards

This section is updated to reflect the increases in APA and SSI maximum payment standards for 2000.

MANUAL CHANGE INSTRUCTIONS

Replace the entire manual.