[NASW Alaska Chapter Listserve] FW: Legislative Update - Senior Benefits Success!!!!

[Summer LeFebvre]

Thanks from the NASW Alaska Social Action Committee to all of the folks that
sent emails and testified. A big Thank you to The Mental Health Trust and
our advocate at the Alaska Mental Health Board.
------ Forwarded Message
From: Angela Salerno <Angela_Salerno at health.state.ak.us>
Reply-To: Angela Salerno <Angela_Salerno at health.state.ak.us>
Date: Wed, 27 Jun 2007 15:02:00 -0400 (EDT)
To: Summer LeFebvre <smrdwn at clearwire.net>
Subject: Legislative Update - Senior Benefits

 
Legislative Update - Senior Benefits
Successful Advocacy!  Senior Benefits Passes Special Session of the
Legislature at 175% More Info
<http://capwiz.com/mhtrust/issues/alert/?alertid=9945181&queueid=1275235536>
Senior Benefits Will Reach More Poor Seniors
 
The Legislature made quick work of Senior Care during its one-day Special
Session by passing an amended version of SB 4.  The bill changed the name of
the program to "Senior Benefits" and will now serve seniors with incomes up
to 175% FPL, up from the SeniorCare maximum of 135% FPL.  While the
SeniorCare program offered a flat monthly benefit of $120, the Senior
Benefits program provides a three-tiered monthly benefit of $125, $175 or
$250, depending on income.  And unlike the SeniorCare program, Senior
Benefits will not have an "asset test," which penalizes seniors who may have
saved for a rainy day.SB 4 was first heard in the House Finance Committee
where an amendment to increase eligibiliy to 175% and benefits to $250
failed by a vote of 5-5.  But the same amendment was offered on the House
Floor and passed 22-15.  The House then passed the bill by a vote of 34-3.
The full Senate concurred by a vote of 14-3.  The new Senior Benefits
program begins August 1, 2007.Thanks to everyone who sent a message - our
efforts were successful!  Congratulations!



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