01/13/2004 03:03 PM House HES
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ALASKA STATE LEGISLATURE
HOUSE HEALTH, EDUCATION AND SOCIAL SERVICES
STANDING COMMITTEE
January 13, 2004
3:03 p.m.
MEMBERS PRESENT
Representative Peggy Wilson, Chair
Representative Carl Gatto, Vice Chair
Representative John Coghill
Representative Paul Seaton
Representative Kelly Wolf
Representative Sharon Cissna
Representative Mary Kapsner
MEMBERS ABSENT
All members present
OTHER LEGISLATORS PRESENT
Senator Gary Stevens
COMMITTEE CALENDAR
HOUSE BILL NO. 374
"An Act establishing the SeniorCare program and relating to that
program; and providing for an effective date."
- MOVED HB 374 OUT OF COMMITTEE
PREVIOUS COMMITTEE ACTION
BILL: HB 374
SHORT TITLE: SENIORCARE
REPRESENTATIVE(s):
01/12/04 (H) READ THE FIRST TIME - REFERRALS
01/12/04 (H) HES, FIN
01/13/04 (H) HES AT 3:00 PM CAPITOL 106
WITNESS REGISTER
JOEL GILBERTSON, Commissioner
Department of Health and Social Services
Juneau, Alaska
POSITION STATEMENT: Presented HB 374 to the committee and
answered questions from the members.
MARIE DARLIN, Coordinator
Capital City Task Force
AARP Alaska
Juneau, Alaska
POSITION STATEMENT: Testified in support of HB 374 and answered
questions from the members.
SARA JACKSON, Program Manager
Saint Francis House
Catholic Social Services
Anchorage, Alaska
POSITION STATEMENT: Testified in support of HB 374.
STEVE ASHMAN, Director
Division of Senior and Disabilities Services
Department of Health and Social Services
Juneau, Alaska
POSITION STATEMENT: Testified on HB 374 and answered questions
from the members.
ED ZASTROW, President
AARP Ketchikan Chapter
Ketchikan, Alaska
POSITION STATEMENT: Testified in support of HB 374.
ACTION NARRATIVE
TAPE 03-01, SIDE A
Number 0061
CHAIR PEGGY WILSON called the House Health, Education and Social
Services Standing Committee meeting to order at 3:03 p.m.
Present at the call to order were Representatives Wilson, Gatto,
Wolf, and Seaton; Representatives Cissna, Kapsner, and Coghill
arrived as the meeting was in progress. Also in attendance was
Senator Gary Stevens.
HB 374-SENIORCARE
Number 0473
CHAIR WILSON announced that the only order of business would be
HOUSE BILL NO. 374, "An Act establishing the SeniorCare program
and relating to that program; and providing for an effective
date."
CHAIR WILSON noted for the record that Representatives Kapsner
and Cissna have joined the meeting.
Number 0573
JOEL GILBERTSON, Commissioner, Department of Health and Social
Services, presented HB 374 to the committee and answered
questions from the members. He told the members that Governor
Murkowski's SeniorCare proposal, a portion of which is in HB
374, is an effort to ensure that seniors from Alaska have
greater access to health care services in general, but more
specifically access to prescription drugs. There have been
difficult challenges for seniors in affording prescription drugs
for a number of years. Medicare and Medicaid came into
existence in 1965, but in the 38 years since Medicare was
established, it failed to provide for prescription drug benefits
for seniors, he said. Commissioner Gilbertson commented that
when the governor was a U.S. senator he voted numerous times to
establish a prescription drug benefit under Medicare, but
Congress was never able to pass and deliver a benefit for
seniors. That changed last fall. Congress has now established
a Medicare prescription benefit for seniors; however, the
legislation that was passed is very complex and it will take a
number of years for it to be implemented. Under the federally
passed legislation the implementation does not begin until
January 1, 2006, he explained. While there is some temporary
assistance for seniors until then, there continues to be
pressure, particularly on needy seniors, to afford their
prescription drugs. Commissioner Gilbertson said it is for that
reason that Governor Murkowski announced the proposed SeniorCare
program in December.
Number 0607
COMMISSIONER GILBERTSON explained that under SeniorCare a cash
subsidy will be delivered to individuals who are below 135
percent of the poverty [level]. Currently, the state is
operating the Alaska Seniors Assistance Program, which is a cash
subsidy program that began in the fall after the termination of
the Alaska Longevity Bonus Program. The program provides $120
per month to seniors who have incomes below 135 percent of the
poverty [level]. A single person would have to have an [annual]
income below $15,135 and a couple would have to be below $20,439
to qualify for this benefit. Commissioner Gilbertson told the
members that under SeniorCare there would be an expansion of
this benefit by adding prescription drug coverage for those
seniors who find that more in line with their spending habits.
Under the SeniorCare program, seniors who are currently
receiving benefits under the Alaska Seniors Assistance Program
will have a choice, he told the members. If seniors are
comfortable continuing to receiving their cash assistance and
believe it is most appropriate for their financial situation,
they will have that choice. However, another choice for seniors
in that demographic will be a $1,600 annual prescription drug
subsidy. This is a direct subsidy for out-of-pocket costs.
Number 0663
COMMISSIONER GILBERTSON told the members that there would also
be an expansion of the program to include a larger group of
seniors. These are seniors who fall between 135 percent of the
poverty [level] and 150 percent. The annual income for that
group is [$16,815] for a single person, and [$22,710] for a
couple. He explained that this group of seniors does not
receive any assistance through the Alaska Senior Assistance
Program, but would receive an annual $1,000 prescription drug
subsidy [through the SeniorCare program].
COMMISSIONER GILBERTSON explained that the interaction with
these [two] programs is in line with the federal prescription
drug assistance which will provide temporary relief for
qualifying seniors. Under the Medicare prescription drug
benefit, seniors whose income is below 135 percent of the
poverty [level] will receive a $600 annual Medicare subsidy
until the full benefit begins in 2006.
Number 0710
COMMISSIONER GILBERTSON said that all seniors will be receiving
the Medicare drug discount card. This card provides for
negotiated rates with manufacturers and suppliers that will
reduce between 10 and 25 percent from the retail price for
prescription drugs for seniors.
Number 0763
COMMISSIONER GILBERTSON asked the members to look at the chart
titled "Bridging the Gap," and explained that the Department of
Health and Social Services looked at a comparison of benefits
for an individual who had $2,500 in annual prescription drug
expenses. He noted that this is a higher cost than average. He
told the members that without the SeniorCare [program] an
individual that is below 135 percent of poverty would receive
$600 in Medicare prescription drug assistance, a minimum of a 10
percent to 25 percent discount that the department equates to
$250, which means that senior would be out of pocket $1,650.
Under the governor's proposal that is before the committee
today, seniors who choose the prescription drug benefit will
still receive the $650 subsidy from the federal government and
the $250 discount, but will also receive the $1,600 prescription
drug subsidy from the State of Alaska, which means their out-of-
pocket cost will be $250, he said. If a senior opted for the
cash assistance program instead, his/her out-of-pocket cost
would increase to [$210]. Commissioner Gilbertson summarized
that the department believes that since the cash assistance is
more flexible, most seniors will continue to elect the cash
assistance payments.
Number 0825
COMMISSIONER GILBERTSON explained that seniors between 135
percent and 150 percent of the federal poverty level without
SeniorCare would receive only the prescription discount card,
which means they would be out of pocket $2,250. He commented
that while it is assistance, it is not enough to bridge the gap
until 2006. Under the SeniorCare proposal these seniors would
receive a $1,000 drug subsidy.
COMMISSIONER GILBERTSON pointed out that this is not an
insurance product; it is a drug subsidy. Commissioner
Gilbertson commented that most seniors' drug costs are lower
than the $2,500 used in the comparison. But if their costs are
lower, these individuals would receive a greater percentage of
assistance. For instance, a senior who is below 135 percent of
poverty who had prescription drug cost below $2,000 would have
no out-of-pocket costs. For seniors between 135 percent and 150
percent of the poverty [level] whose costs were lower than
$1,000, those individuals would have no out-of-pocket costs.
COMMISSIONER GILBERTSON summarized his comments by saying that
the SeniorCare proposal is larger than just prescription drug
assistance. Steve Ashman, Director, Division of Senior and
Disabilities Services, has established by order of the governor
a senior information office within the Department of Health and
Social Services. He said this office will be a one-stop
shopping center for seniors who need to receive services from
the State of Alaska. In FY 03 the department provided over $200
million in assistance to seniors. Those programs are varied,
for example, energy assistance, cash assistance, food
assistance, assisted living, long-term care, and health care
expenses. He explained that the collection of programs can be
difficult for seniors to identify all that they are eligible
for. Under the senior information office established under
SeniorCare, seniors will have one-stop shopping through the 1-
800 number, web site, or in person, where they can receive
access to all the programs that are available to them, some of
which are at the community level. Commissioner Gilbertson
expressed the importance of eliminating the complexity of these
programs and the necessity to bring needed services to seniors.
COMMISSIONER GILBERTSON noted that the prescription drug program
does have some exclusions, such as over the counter drugs,
vitamins, and drugs related to impotence, baldness, and smoking
cessation. The intent of this legislation is to provide drug
subsidy assistance or cash assistance to seniors who are needy.
Number 0972
REPRESENTATIVE GATTO asked if alcohol or drug addiction
treatment is included.
COMMISSIONER GILBERTSON responded that the bill does not make a
distinction based on the diagnosis of the individual. He said
if it is a prescription drug, it would be included.
Number 1006
REPRESENTATIVE SEATON asked what is the average senior's
prescription drug cost.
COMMISSIONER GILBERTSON responded that [figure] is a challenge
to identify, but according to some two-year-old data, the
average cost was below $500 per year. He told the committee
that he will provide them with more recent estimates. He
pointed out that there are a large number of seniors who have
extremely high drug costs. There are between 15 percent and 20
percent of seniors who have over $4,000 in annual prescription
drug costs. He said these individuals will be offered
catastrophic prescription drug coverage in the Medicare bill.
He emphasized that this program is not insurance, it is a
subsidy, and is therefore not a percentage of coverage, but a
direct benefit payment.
REPRESENTATIVE SEATON said he assumes since most seniors have
less than $500 in prescription drug costs, most will opt for the
cash payment, rather than the prescription drug subsidy, because
if they opted for the prescription drug option, they would lose
money. He asked Commissioner Gilbertson to confirm his
assumption.
Number 1086
COMMISSIONER GILBERTSON said that the department believes that
70 percent of seniors would remain in the cash benefit option.
Only those who fall in the catastrophic prescription drug
expenditures would opt for the drug subsidy plan.
Number 1116
REPRESENTATIVE CISSNA stated for the record that she understands
that recipients of either the cash payment or prescription drug
benefit are not able to change their plan in the middle of a
year; however, she asked if there is an open enrollment period
when changes can be made.
COMMISSIONER GILBERTSON replied that those below 135 percent of
the poverty [level] will have an option to select either plan,
but not in mid-year.
REPRESENTATIVE CISSNA asked if seniors can use this benefit
while out of state.
COMMISSIONER GILBERTSON responded that the bill covers resident
of Alaska, while in Alaska. There are exemptions for
individuals who leave the state. He asked the members to look
at page 3, line 27, where it lists conditions under which
seniors could be out of state and still receive benefits. They
are for those who are absent for medical treatment, or vacation,
business trips, or other absences of less than 30 days.
REPRESENTATIVE CISSNA asked if it would be possible to order
prescription drugs from Canada.
COMMISSIONER GILBERTSON responded that it is currently a
violation of federal law to order drugs through Canada.
REPRESENTATIVE CISSNA asked if the state is upholding that law.
COMMISSIONER GILBERTSON replied that the state does not enforce
federal laws.
REPRESENTATIVE CISSNA told the members that she recently
attended a briefing where the new Medicare prescription drug
bill was discussed. She added that while the briefing was
complex, it was clear to her that it is important for the state
to take into consideration any impact its actions might have in
2006 when the law is implemented. Representative Cissna asked
if Commissioner Gilbertson is bearing this in mind as
legislation comes forth.
Number 1330
COMMISSIONER GILBERTSON commented that this program does not
have a nexus with the federal program. He pointed out that this
is not an extension of the Medicaid program. It is a drug
subsidy assistance to beneficiaries. While some states have
attempted to cover prescription drug programs though "pharmacy-
plus" waivers to allow Medicaid "build-outs" for some seniors,
the federal legislation grandfathered out these pharmacy-plus
waivers.
Number 1391
MARIE DARLIN, Coordinator, Capital City Task Force, AARP Alaska,
testified in support of HB 374 and answered questions from the
members. She told the members that AARP has over 76,000 members
in Alaska. Ms. Darlin asked the committee to look at the letter
from Marguerite Stetson, AARP State Coordinator for Advocacy,
dated January 12, 2004, which highlights AARP's support of HB
374. Last year was a difficult one for senior Alaskans,
particularly those over the age of 72, because these individuals
made their financial plans for retirement based on social
security, savings and investments, pensions for some, and the
Alaska longevity bonus. These seniors have to watch their
budgets because they do not have the option of going back to
work to make up for what has been lost one way or another, she
said.
MS. DARLIN pointed out that as some people age, they need more
prescription drugs. Unfortunately, those drugs that help to
deal with chronic illnesses have been increasing in cost at
rates much higher than normal inflation. She told the members
that statistics that have been provided indicate that [the cost
of] prescription drugs increased 25 percent last year. This is
a real concern. Ms. Darlin said that when the governor
eliminated the longevity bonus plan, it hurt many older
Alaskans. It has forced them to rethink how they can manage
retirement budgets and still have funds to pay for prescription
drugs. She said that while the Alaska Senior Assistance Program
did not replace the longevity bonus, it does help over 7,000 of
the lowest-income older Alaskans meet their day-to-day costs for
prescription drugs.
Number 1512
MS. DARLIN told the members that while the U.S. Congress has
passed and the President has signed the Medicare prescription
drug bill, it will not take effect until January 1, 2006.
Although not perfect, this bill will significantly help an
estimated 23,000 older Alaskans who are below the federal
poverty level; however, the implementation of this is over two
years away. She told the committee that AARP appreciates the
proposed SeniorCare program in that it will provide some relief
to seniors until the federal program is in place.
MS. DARLIN emphasized that any program that helps older Alaskans
deal with escalating prescription drug costs will be welcome.
She offered AARP's assistance in working through the details in
making sure the system is user-friendly. She also noted the
good news that two additional staff will be hired to assist
seniors with the new program. She said this is an important
first step.
Number 1648
MS. DARLIN said AARP strongly supports the preferred drug list
(PDL) for Medicaid. Most countries, the U.S. Veterans
Administration, the Indian Health Service, more than half of the
states, and many employers already use some form of a preferred
[prescription] drug list. She pointed out that it does not make
sense to pay for a more expensive brand name drug when a generic
drug is just as effective. Ms. Darlin said that the Department
of Health and Social Services is working toward evidence-based
formularies to determine which prescriptions are most
therapeutically effective. The PDL then recommends those that
are least expensive, but it does not preclude a physician from
prescribing other justifiable medications.
MS. DARLIN told the committee she believes it is important to
consider how pharmaceuticals are manufactured and marketed in
the United States. When a drug company seeks approval for a new
drug from the Food and Drug Administration (FDA), it is only
required to prove that the new product is more effective than a
sugar pill, not that it is as good or more effective than the
drugs that are already on the market to treat a similar
condition. Drug salesmen tell physicians which ones are the
best, but they also work for the company who manufactures them.
Ms. Darlin said the Alaska PDL will serve as the state's
consumer report in saying how effective the drug performs and
how it compares with other medications in the same class. This
will be information that was not previously available. Valuable
Medicaid dollars should not be spent on prescription that are
too expensive and no more therapeutically effective, she said.
It is AARP's position that the commissioner and the health
professionals who are developing the PDL should be applauded.
Number 1754
MS. DARLIN summarized her comments by saying that one of AARP
[member's] concerns, as parents and grandparents, was how the
plan would be funded. She said that no matter what a person's
age is, all Alaskans are in this together.
Number 1771
REPRESENTATIVE GATTO asked Ms. Darlin if AARP supports HB 374.
MS. DARLIN replied that AARP supports this bill. She asked the
members to review the letter in their bill packet from
Marguerite Stetson, AARP State Coordinator for Advocacy, dated
January 12, 2004, in which she delineates AARP's support of HB
374.
Number 1816
SARA JACKSON, Program Manager, Saint Francis House, Catholic
Social Services, testified in support of HB 374. She told the
member that she supports HB 374 and appreciates the continued
cash assistance to needy seniors. Ms. Jackson explained that
the seniors she works with are extremely poor. She said that
while it is a small percentage, their situations are very
dramatic. Because Saint Francis is responsible for the
distribution of food to people 60 years [of age] and older, she
has become aware of the number of people who are living on
dismally small amounts of money, perhaps $500 or $600 per month,
she said.
MS. JACKSON said that even with this small amount of money, they
are helping to support their unemployed children or raising
their grandchildren. She said she believes it is important to
honor the pioneers, but with the limited resources available it
is more important to assist those who are desperately poor. She
said there should be some other way [besides the recently
abolished longevity bonus] to let the pioneers know their
efforts are appreciated.
Number 1947
MS. JACKSON asked how much of the resources will be going into
information and referral.
Number 1987
STEVE ASHMAN, Director, Division of Senior and Disabilities
Services, Department of Health and Social Services, testified on
HB 374 and answered questions from the members. He responded
that the division currently has individuals who work with
Medicare and Medicaid information that is funded primarily
through federal government grants. Some of the subgrant
recipients such as OPAG [Older Person's Action Group, Inc.] and
AARP Alaska provide similar information. He explained that
under the governor's proposal for the SeniorCare information
office, it will encompass the same activity, but will expand
those services so that it is truly a one-stop shop for senior
citizens. The office will network with other groups to see what
other types of information and services are available for
referral. Mr. Ashman told the members that the office will work
hand-in-hand with other resources that are available and share
that information not only with seniors that are inquiring about
those services, but also with partners in the senior industry.
This is a significant expansion, he added.
Number 2039
CHAIR WILSON asked if there will be a telephone number for
individuals to call for information and referral.
MR. ASHMAN responded that there will be a number to call. He
explained that the division is currently hiring for those two
positions, but there is a grantee who is providing information
and referral and is manning the telephone now. The web site is
up and running and under development now. Mr. Ashman told the
members that the division will be fully operational by April 1.
He noted that information will be continuously updated.
Number 2072
ED ZASTROW, President, AARP Ketchikan Chapter, testified in
support of HB 374. Mr. Zastrow told the members that he agrees
with Ms. Darlin's comments, and applauds Commissioner Gilbertson
and Mr. Ashman's efforts in putting forth this program. He said
he supports HB 374.
Number 2110
REPRESENTATIVE SEATON asked Commissioner Gilbertson if
exceptions to the PDL are possible under the SeniorCare program.
COMMISSIONER GILBERTSON referred the members to page 3, line 15,
where it clarifies that if the prescribing physician believes
that the brand name drug is medically necessary as opposed to
the generic drug, the physician may document that, and in that
case the brand name drug will be made available. Absent these
circumstances, the program will pay for the generic drug, he
said.
REPRESENTATIVE SEATON asked Commissioner Gilbertson to explain
the bill's fiscal impact on the general fund from FY 04 to FY
06.
COMMISSIONER GILBERTSON responded that if this legislation
passes the legislature in short order, it will allow the
department to begin the program on April 1, 2004. This would
mean that it will run approximately one-quarter of FY 04, the
full year of FY 05, and one-half of FY 06, because the federal
benefit begins on January 1, 2006. He told the members that the
estimates that have been put together by the department for the
general fund obligation for the fourth quarter of FY 04 will be
$316,000. The FY 05 estimate is $14.9 million, of which $12
million is federal funding; therefore, $2.9 million will come
from general funds. He explained that the federal dollars are
flexible dollars available to the state through fiscal relief.
FY 06 funding would be a general fund program for the one-half
year at a cost of $7.78 million.
Number 2219
REPRESENTATIVE KAPSNER referred to the chart provided to the
members titled "Comparison of Qualifications and Benefits" and
asked for clarification on the determination of liquid assets.
Specifically, she asked what is included in the assets list and
asked if this is done by a self-reporting method.
Number 2249
COMMISSIONER GILBERTSON responded that the assets test is the
same as that for the Alaska Senior Assistance Program. For most
individuals in this income category, their liquid assets would
be their checking accounts. The liquid assets do not include an
individual's home or automobiles. Under the application process
it is self-reported data. He added that the majority of these
clients are already in other programs in the department where
income verification has already been done. Commissioner
Gilbertson pointed out that this program is intended to be a
bridge program so the department will not be investing sizeable
amounts of general fund dollars to build a bureaucracy for a
program for a few years. For that reason, the applications are
simple and the department believes it has been successful due to
the large number of applications received, many of which are
duplicative. The department saturated the community and
obtained great comments from senior organizations during the
development and implementation of the Alaska Senior Assistance
Program.
COMMISSIONER GILBERTSON stated for the record that of those
individuals who were on the Alaska Senior Assistance Program,
which is a needs-based program, only 46 percent were not
receiving the longevity bonus [payment].
REPRESENTATIVE KAPSNER asked what consideration was given to
geographic cost differentials. She noted that UAA [University
of Alaska Anchorage] puts out an annual list of communities that
are very expensive to live in. Representative Kapsner said that
her community, Bethel, is the most expensive. Is it fair to
give everyone the same amount, she asked.
Number 2366
COMMISSIONER GILBERTSON responded that the state standardizes
the benefit for a variety of reasons including legal ones. He
pointed out that the federal government offers a geographical
adjustment and includes a 25 percent inflation factor over the
Lower 48 [states].
TAPE 04-1, SIDE B
Number 2361
COMMISSIONER GILBERTSON pointed out that while there is an
inflation factor for the state, there is none for regions within
the state. He summarized that the SeniorCare program does not
address that issue.
Number 2352
REPRESENTATIVE WOLF asked how the one-stop shop would assist
seniors who find it difficult to complete applications. For
example, in his district there were seniors who completed the
application, included their deductible for Medicare, and were
disqualified.
COMMISSIONER GILBERTSON responded that there will always been
seniors who do not have access to simple ways of communicating
with the department. He added that the department will be
working in partnership with organizations and grantees.
SeniorCare will be serving over 10,000 seniors in FY 05. He
told the members that a majority of the clients will not have to
apply again because they are already enrolled in the Alaska
Senior Assistance Program. There will be a very simple process
whereby they will elect either the prescription drug assistance
[program] or the cash assistance program. Commissioner
Gilbertson added that there are about 3,000 seniors who will
have to apply and that it is a challenge.
REPRESENTATIVE WOLF told the members of a constituent who
explained that he was disqualified from the Alaska Senior
Assistance Program even though [he and his wife] had received
the longevity bonus. The problem is that when they purchased
their home, the longevity bonus was figured into their monthly
income. When the constituent went to [the Division of Senior
and Disabilities Services] to get help with the paperwork, he
was told that he wouldn't qualify, and the best thing he could
do is divorce his wife of 50 years and then he would qualify.
Representative Wolf asked Commissioner Gilbertson how that kind
of problem could be addressed. A statement like this from staff
is insulting to [applicants], he commented.
Number 2226
COMMISSIONER GILBERTSON responded that he does not know the
particulars in this situation. He told the committee that the
majority of applications are submitted by mail, and assistance
to individuals is usually provided by individuals in the
community and not necessarily state employees. Commissioner
Gilbertson emphasized that the program is available to all
seniors who meet the income criteria and that the applications
are processed in a fair and unbiased fashion.
Number 2219
REPRESENTATIVE GATTO commented that most individuals, even in
the small villages, have Internet access. Is the department
working with AARP and other volunteer groups for assistance in
downloading a form, filling it out, and transmitting it
electronically, or is it always a paper application?
COMMISSIONER GILBERTSON replied that after the start-up of the
Alaska Senior Assistance Program, the department gained a lot of
experience in outreach to this population. The department
saturates the market and ensures that all who are eligible have
an opportunity to apply. The trends have shown that within the
first month of the program there was a large volume of
applications, and a very small group of seniors that joined
later. Commissioner Gilbertson told the members that the
department has found a good mechanism and a combination of
outreach methods to seniors. The department will use that
method again. Some of these outreach contacts have been the
local resources on the ground, state offices in larger
communities, Senior Voice, and grantees. He commented that
there were over 5,000 duplicate applications in the initial
program, which demonstrates that the department saturated the
market, and he added, the department plans to do it again to
ensure that all seniors have access to the program. Many of
these seniors are already on databases from the longevity bonus
program and the existing Alaska Senior Assistance Program, which
will be used in a direct mailing to all of them.
Number 2144
CHAIR WILSON noted for the record that Representative Coghill
has joined the meeting.
REPRESENTATIVE GATTO noted that the fiscal note for FY 05 is
about $15 million and then the numbers drop drastically. He
asked what the total fiscal note [would be for this program].
COMMISSIONER GILBERTSON responded that the $15 million is
appropriated to the Division of Public Assistance because it
will be administering the program. The administrative expense
for FY 05 will be $61,500 in the Division of Public Assistance,
$7,000 in IT [information technology] Services, and $184,000
which is largely an enrollment (indisc.). Commissioner
Gilbertson summarized that if would cost a little over $250,000
to administer the $15-million program.
Number 2041
REPRESENTATIVE GATTO moved to report HB 374 out of committee
with individual recommendations and the accompanying fiscal
notes. There being no objection, HB 374 was reported out of the
House Health, Education and Social Services Standing Committee.
ADJOURNMENT
Number 2010
There being no further business before the committee, the House
Health, Education and Social Services Standing Committee meeting
was adjourned at 4:00 p.m.
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