Legislature(2007 - 2008)
2007-02-21 House Journal
Full Journal pdf2007-02-21 House Journal Page 0285 HB 148 HOUSE BILL NO. 148 by the House Rules Committee by request of the Governor, entitled: "An Act relating to the senior care program; and providing for an effective date." was read the first time and referred to the Health, Education & Social Services and Finance Committees. The following fiscal note(s) apply: 1. Fiscal, Dept. of Health & Social Services 2007-02-21 House Journal Page 0286 The Governor's transmittal letter dated February 20, 2007, follows: "Dear Speaker Harris: Under the authority of art. III, sec. 18, of the Alaska Constitution, I am transmitting a bill relating to the senior care program. The bill would extend the sunset date of the existing senior care program from June 30, 2007, to June 30, 2012, to allow continuation of program benefits to needy seniors. This bill also would make two changes to the eligibility requirements for the program. First, the income limitation would be altered. The current income standards are "frozen" by setting eligibility at a specific monetary amount in state law that was equal to 135 percent of the 2005 federal poverty income guidelines. The 2005 limits have caused some seniors to become ineligible for the program because of cost-of-living adjustments that are made to retirement and pension income, such as Social Security benefits, which are not automatically adjusted under the current statutory language. The change made by the bill would result in income standards that are flexible enough to correspond to changing federal poverty guidelines. Second, the bill would provide that an individual who is receiving a longevity bonus payment would not be eligible for benefits under the senior care program. It is my intent to see the longevity bonus program reinstated in the Fiscal Year 2008 budget for those qualifying seniors who were prematurely cut from the program in the Fiscal Year 2004 budget. However, seniors who qualify for the longevity bonus will have to decide whether to obtain assistance from one or the other program. The Department of Health and Social Services has found that there is only low-level usage of the prescription drug option, despite extensive outreach efforts encouraging seniors to enroll. Additionally, survey information indicates that many seniors have other health insurance coverage available. Because of these factors, the bill also would eliminate the prescription drug benefit portion of the program. 2007-02-21 House Journal Page 0287 The senior care program finances important benefits for needy older Alaskans, to help them meet basic necessities, including food and housing. I urge your prompt and favorable action on this measure. Sincerely, /s/ Sarah Palin Governor"