MR #11.13: SNAP Medical Standard Demonstration Project

MR #11.13: SNAP Medical Standard Demonstration Project

Summary:

  • USDA Food and Nutrition Services (FNS) has authorized DHS to operate the Standard Medical Deduction Demonstration.
  • To offset the increased federal costs of applying the Standard Medical Deduction, the Standard Deduction for all SNAP units is reduced by $4.
  • Effective 06/13/2011, the system will centrally recalculate the SNAP benefit amount using the revised Standard Deduction for all active SNAP units. 
  • To be eligible for the Standard Medical Deduction, the SNAP unit must contain a qualifying member (age 60 or older or disabled) and verify that they have $36 or more per month in allowable medical expenses, see PM 13-01-05-a.
  • The Standard Medical Deduction for eligible SNAP units is $245 unless they are a resident of a group home (including CILA) or Supportive Living Facilities (SLF).
  • The Standard Medical Deduction for residents of group homes(including CILA)/SLF is $485 a month.
  • SNAP units with allowable medical expenses over $245 or $485 for residents of group homes(including CILA)/SLFs may choose to use actual medical expenses instead of the Standard Medical Deduction.
  • Three new Supplied by codes are added for Item 80 code 352 to indicate whether the unit is using;
    • actual allowable medical expenses (Supplied By code A),
    • or the Standard Medical Deduction for all other SNAP units (Supplied By S),
    •  the group home/SLF Standard Medical Deduction (Supplied By G).
  • Effective 06/13/2011, the system will delete any Item 80 codes 352 TME with an amount less than $36.00. For those cases coded with $36 or greater and as not living in a group home/SLF, the system will change the amount to $245 unless there is already an amount greater than $245. 
  • For those cases coded with $36 or greater and coded as living in a group home/SLF, the system will change the amount to $485 unless there is already an amount greater than $485.
  • When there is an amount greater than $245, or $485 for those living in a group home/SLF, the system will not change the amount.
  • When $245 is entered in the amount column, the system will code S in the Supplied By column.  When $485 is entered in the amount column, the system will code G in the Supplied By column.  The system codes an A in the Supplied By column when there is an amount greater than $245 or $485.