Legislature(2007 - 2008)BUTROVICH 205
02/19/2007 01:30 PM Senate HEALTH, EDUCATION & SOCIAL SERVICES
| Audio | Topic |
|---|---|
| Start | |
| Presentation: Alaska's Community Health Care Centers | |
| SB4 | |
| Adjourn |
* first hearing in first committee of referral
+ teleconferenced
= bill was previously heard/scheduled
+ teleconferenced
= bill was previously heard/scheduled
| + | TELECONFERENCED | ||
| + | TELECONFERENCED | ||
| *+ | SJR 1 | TELECONFERENCED | |
| *+ | SB 4 | TELECONFERENCED | |
SB 4-SENIOR CARE PROGRAM
2:29:45 PM
CHAIR DAVIS announced SB 4 to be up for consideration.
SENATOR OLSON, Sponsor of SB 4, said that it would eliminate the
Senior Care Program's scheduled sunset date of June 2007, remove
the underutilized prescription drug benefit, and increase the
monthly financial assistance from $120 to $150. The program is
currently needs-based, with applicants' income not exceeding 135
percent of the 2005 federal poverty guidelines. There are 7,000
eligible seniors in the state.
He said that the Department of Health and Social Services (DHSS)
is in favor of the bill.
2:32:45 PM
JANET CLARK, Assistant Commissioner for the Department of Health
& Social Services, said that the governor supports SB 4, and is
developing new legislation regarding senior assistance.
ELLIE FITZJARRALD, Acting Director for the Division of Public
Assistance for the Department of Health & Social Services, said
that the fiscal note represents an overall net savings, because
of the elimination of the prescription drug benefit and the
assumption that many seniors will choose the Alaska Longevity
Bonus (ALB) rather than the senior care benefit. The overall
savings, even with the increase in the monthly payment proposed
by the bill, will be $3.9 million in the first year. 2208
seniors received the ALB when it was phased out, and would be
likely to choose it over the senior bonus when it is reinstated.
2:36:31 PM
SENATOR DYSON asked if the administration would prefer for the
bill to not be enacted until the governor's plan has been
introduced.
MS. FITZJARRALD said that was correct.
SENATOR ELTON asked when the governor's bill would appear before
the legislature.
MS. CLARK said that it was expected any day.
SENATOR ELTON asked if the governor's bill allowed the
qualifying standard to be self-adjusting.
MS. CLARK said that she couldn't say.
CHAIR DAVIS asked if the governor would be willing to work with
Senator Olson.
MS. CLARK said that she would.
SB 4 was held in committee.
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