Memo MC #15

STATE OF ALASKA

Department of Health and Social Services

Division of Public Assistance

DATE: April 20, 2007

SUBJECT: Adult Public Assistance Manual Change #15

This manual change includes the aligned education income policy and updates the income eligibility standards announced by broadcast on November 29, 2006. As part of an ongoing effort to align income and resource policies across programs, to the extent possible we have presented education income policy in the same format and language in the Alaska Temporary Assistance, Family Medicaid, and Food Stamp program manuals.

This change also includes the program’s annual Cost of Living Allowance ( COLA ) adjustments. Each year the Adult Public Assistance need and maximum payment standards are adjusted to reflect the COLA increase in Social Security benefits. This year the COLA increase is 3.3%. This manual change incorporates the 2007 standards, which become effective with the benefit month of January 2007. The COLA adjustment also causes:

An increase in the income limit for Substantial Gainful Activity; and

An increase in the student earned income exclusion.

Several minor clarifications and technical changes are also included. Highlights of these policy revisions are described below. If you have any questions please contact any member of the Policy and Program Development Team at 465-3347 or email dpapolicy@health.state.ak.us.

OVERVIEW OF CHANGES

MS 426-2C(3) , Disabled APA Applicants Required to Submit an AD #2 Form

Updates the mailing address for the Division’s Medical Reviewer to include the correct suite # and zip code.

MS 426-2E , IAR Authorization Requirement

Clarifies that a completed Interim Assistance Reimbursement ( IAR ) Authorization form must be provided to Social Security within 30 calendar days, instead of 10 working days.

MS 426-8A , Blindness or Disability Exam Costs

Corrects the cross reference for issuing a Medicaid authorization to add the Aged, Disabled, and Long Term Care Medicaid manual section.

MS 432-4K , Education Assistance

To the extent possible, this section was revised to present policy in the same format and language as in the Alaska Temporary Assistance, Family Medicaid, and Food Stamp program manuals.

Clarifies that education assistance provided under Title IV of the Higher Education Act or a Bureau of Indian Affairs student assistance program is totally excluded from resources, regardless of how long the funds are kept.

MS 442-3A(7) , Education Assistance

To the extent possible, this section was revised to present policy in the same format and language as in the Alaska Temporary Assistance, Family Medicaid, and Food Stamp program manuals.

Clarifies that education assistance is treated the same way, regardless of whether it is received by an undergraduate student or a graduate student.

Addendum 1 , Program Standards

Updates program standards to reflect the COLA changes for 2007.