Sec. 32.02451. ADDITIONAL PERSONAL NEEDS ALLOWANCE FOR GUARDIANSHIP EXPENSES OF CERTAIN RECIPIENTS. (a) In this section, "applied income" has the meaning assigned by Section 1155.201, Estates Code.

(b) To the extent allowed by federal law, the commission, in computing the applied income of a recipient of medical assistance, shall deduct in the manner provided by this section an additional personal needs allowance from the earned and unearned income of the recipient or, if applicable, the recipient and the recipient's spouse, for compensation and costs ordered to be deducted under Section 1155.202, Estates Code. Subject to Subsection (f), a deduction ordered by the court under Section 1155.202, Estates Code, is effective beginning on the later of:

(1) the month in which the order is signed; or

(2) the first month of medical assistance eligibility for which the recipient is subject to a copayment.

(c) The commission shall compute the applied income of a recipient of medical assistance as follows:

(1) the commission shall deduct from the earned and unearned income the personal needs allowance authorized by Section 32.024(w) before making any other deduction;

(2) if after the deduction under Subdivision (1) the recipient has remaining income, the commission shall deduct the lesser of the following:

(A) the amount of the remaining income; or

(B) the amount of the additional personal needs allowance for compensation and costs ordered to be deducted under Section 1155.202, Estates Code; and

(3) if after the deductions under Subdivisions (1) and (2) the recipient has remaining income, the commission shall deduct any other authorized allowances.

(d) The amount of income remaining, if any, after the commission makes the deductions as provided by Subsection (c) is the amount of the applied income of the recipient of medical assistance.

(e) The executive commissioner shall adopt rules providing a procedure by which a recipient of medical assistance for whom amounts are ordered deducted under Section 1155.202, Estates Code, may submit to the commission a copy of the court order issued under that section to receive a deduction of those amounts from the recipient's income as provided by this section.

(f) The commission may not allow a deduction for the additional personal needs allowance for compensation and costs ordered to be deducted under Section 1155.202, Estates Code, if the order is issued after the recipient of medical assistance dies.

Added by Acts 2009, 81st Leg., R.S., Ch. 859 (S.B. 2435), Sec. 1, eff. September 1, 2009.

Amended by:

Acts 2011, 82nd Leg., R.S., Ch. 599 (S.B. 220), Sec. 2, eff. September 1, 2011.

Acts 2015, 84th Leg., R.S., Ch. 1 (S.B. 219), Sec. 4.086, eff. April 2, 2015.

Sec. 32.0247. MEDICAL ASSISTANCE FOR CERTAIN PERSONS MAKING TRANSITION FROM FOSTER CARE TO INDEPENDENT LIVING. (a) In this section, "independent foster care adolescent" has the meaning assigned by 42 U.S.C. Section 1396d(w)(1), as amended.

(b) The commission shall provide medical assistance, in accordance with commission rules, to an independent foster care adolescent who:

(1) is not otherwise eligible for medical assistance; and

(2) is not covered by a health benefits plan offering adequate benefits, as determined by the commission.

(c) To the extent allowed by federal law, the executive commissioner shall by rule establish a specific set of income, assets, or resources allowable for recipients under this section. The income level shall not be less than 200 percent or more than 400 percent of the federal poverty level. Allowable asset or resource levels shall not be less than:

(1) the levels allowed for individuals who are in foster care; and

(2) the levels allowed for a person under 19 years of age who is eligible for the medical assistance program.

(d) In setting allowable income, asset, or resource levels, the executive commissioner shall, to the extent allowed by federal law, exclude:

(1) any financial benefit used for the purpose of educational or vocational training, such as scholarships, student loans, or grants;

(2) any financial benefit used for the purpose of housing; and

(3) any grants or subsidies obtained as a result of the Foster Care Independence Act of 1999 (Pub. L. No. 106-169).

(e) The Department of Family and Protective Services shall certify the income, assets, or resources of each individual on the date the individual exits substitute care. An individual qualifying for medical assistance as established by this section shall remain eligible for 12 calendar months after certification and after each recertification.

(f) The recertification process for individuals who are eligible for medical assistance under this section shall include the option of recertifying by mail or phone.

Added by Acts 2001, 77th Leg., ch. 1218, Sec. 1, eff. Sept. 1, 2001.

Amended by:

Acts 2015, 84th Leg., R.S., Ch. 1 (S.B. 219), Sec. 4.087, eff. April 2, 2015.