ARC 1812C
HUMAN SERVICES DEPARTMENT[441]
Notice of Intended Action
Twenty-five interested persons, a governmental subdivision, an agency or association of 25 or more persons may demand an oral presentation hereon as provided in Iowa Code section 17A.4(1)“b.”
Notice is also given to the public that the Administrative Rules Review Committee may, on its own motion or on written request by any individual or group, review this proposed action under section 17A.8(6) at a regular or special meeting where the public or interested persons may be heard.
Pursuant to the authority of Iowa Code section 217.3(6) and 2013 Iowa Acts, chapter 138, section 144, as amended by 2014 Iowa Acts, House File 2463, section 144, the Department of Human Services gives Notice of Intended Action to amend Chapter 51, “Eligibility,” and Chapter 52, “Payment,” Iowa Administrative Code.
These amendments implement the January 1, 2015, cost-of-living increases to several State Supplementary Assistance categories.
Effective January 1, 2015, the Supplemental Security Income (SSI) benefit was increased according to the increase in the consumer price index from October 1, 2013, through September 30, 2014. The Social Security Administration has announced that this increase is 1.7 percent. In order to comply with the federal pass-along requirement in calendar year 2015 using the payment levels method of compliance, Iowa must increase the payment amounts and income limits for each State Supplementary Assistance category (except in-home health-related care (IHHRC) provider rates and the supplement for Medicare and Medicaid eligibles) effective January 1, 2015, to equal the minimum levels required by the federal government. The minimum levels are increased each time the SSI benefit is increased. Also, the Iowa General Assembly has directed the Department to increase the personal needs allowance of clients in the residential care facility program by the same percentage and at the same time as the SSI cost-of-living increase.
Any interested person may make written comments on the proposed amendments on or before January 27, 2015. Comments should be directed to Harry Rossander, Bureau of Policy Coordination, Department of Human Services, Hoover State Office Building, Fifth Floor, 1305 East Walnut Street, Des Moines, Iowa 50319-0114. Comments may also be sent by fax to (515)281-4980 or by e-mail to policyanalysis@dhs.state.ia.us.
These amendments do not provide for waivers in specified situations since the increases are required by federal and state law.
These amendments were also Adopted and Filed Emergency and are published herein as ARC 1813C. The purpose of this Notice is to solicit public comment on that submission, the subject matter of which is incorporated by reference.
After analysis and review of this rule making, no impact on jobs has been found.
These amendments are intended to implement Iowa Code section 217.3(6) and 2013 Iowa Acts, chapter 138, section 144(2) and (3), as amended by 2014 Iowa Acts, House File 2463, section 20.