Notices for Week of: July 30, 2009
PROPOSED STATE RULES
By law, public notice of proposed rules must be given by publication in newspapers of record. The purpose of these notices is to give the public a chance to respond to the proposals. The public notices for administrative rules are now also available online at http://vermont-archives.org/aparules/ovnotices.htm The law requires an agency to hold a public hearing on a proposed rule, if requested to do so in writing by 25 persons or an association having at least 25 members.
To make special arrangements for individuals with disabilities or special needs please call or write the contact person listed below as soon as possible
To obtain further information concerning any scheduled hearing(s), obtain copies of proposed rule(s) or submit comments regarding proposed rule(s), please call or write the contact person listed below. You may also submit comments in writing to the Legislative Committee on Administrative Rules, State House, Montpelier, Vermont 05602 (828-2231).
Fuel Program Changes - Resource Test, Income Disregard and Standard Heating Cost Tables.
Vermont Proposed Rule: 09P034
AGENCY: Dept. for Children and Families (DCF)
CONCISE SUMMARY: The proposed rule would increase the resource limit for households with an elderly member (age 60 or older) from $5,000 to $10,000 per household; make recipients of 3SquaresVT (food stamp) benefits subject to the same resource limits as all other applicants for seasonal fuel assistance, increase the monthly income disregard for household members who are elderly or disabled from $150 to $250; update the standard heating cost tables; provide for early payment of benefits for households that heat with wood pellets; and clarify that subsidized housing is when a client's rent is based on their income.
TYPE OF PERSONS AFFECTED: Recipients of Seasonal Fuel Assistance, certified fuel suppliers, community action agencies and area agencies on aging.
COST BENEFIT ANALYSIS: Proposed changes will make an estimated additional 1,100 low-income households eligible for seasonal fuel assistance benefits. Seasonal fuel assistance helps pay a portion of a client's winter home heating costs. Fuel dealers who receive the benefit on behalf of clients will experience a positive economic benefit when more of their customers receive fuel assistance benefits. A smaller cash benefit is provided directly to clients when heat is included in their rent.
SCHEDULED HEARINGS: At the recommendation of ICAR a public hearing will be held in Waterbury, Vermont on Tuesday August 18, 2009 at 1:00 p.m. in the Economic Services Division third floor small conference room, Building "A".
DEADLINE FOR PUBLIC COMMENT: August 25, 2009
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION, CONTACT: For copies of the rule: Afsar Sultana (802) 241-3525, afsar.sultana@ahs.state.vt.us. Copies of the draft rules are also available at Department's website, http://dcf.vermont.gov/esd/rules For other questions about the rule: Richard Moffi, Fuel Program Chief, Department for Children and Families (CDF), 103 South Main St. Waterbury, VT 05671-1201 Phone: (802) 241-1097 Fax: (802) 241-2235, richard.moffi@ahs.state.vt.us.
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State Fiscal Year 2010 Coverage Changes
Vermont Proposed Rule: 09P035
AGENCY: Human Services
CONCISE SUMMARY: This bulletin makes permanent the changes in emergency rules 09-15E and 09-19E which were based on H.441, the state fiscal year 2010 budget. It includes the additions of co-payments in the VHAP-Pharmacy, VScript, VPharm and the Vermont Health Access Plan (VHAP) for beneficiaries at or above 100% FPL (federal poverty level). It adds a requirement that certain maintenance drugs in selected classes be dispensed in 90-day supplies in Medicaid, VHAP, VHAP-Pharmacy, and VScript. It adds a pilot program in VPharm to encourage the use of over-the-counter and generic drugs in the classes of lipotropics and proton pump inhibitors. It adds coverage of chiropractic manipulation of the spine for adults in Medicaid and VHAP. It changes the reimbursement for ingredients in prescriptions to AWP (average wholesale price) less 14.2%. It also modifies VPharm rules to require that a manufacturer's rebate be in place in order for VPharm to cover any cost-sharing.
TYPE OF PERSONS AFFECTED: State health care program beneficiaries, providers, advocates, health care ombudsman.
COST BENEFIT ANALYSIS: Beneficiaries, prescribers, pharmacies, chiropractors, community advocates, health care ombudsman will all be affected. Analysis of the costs and benefits was part of the legislative process. Some beneficiaries will have new prescription copays, while others will have a decreased cost share on their prescriptions. Prescribers, community advocates and the Health Care Ombudsman's office will have increased administrative costs. Pharmacies will have a reduced reimbursement rate and increased administrative costs. Chiropractors will have added reimbursement. Anticipated Savings from General Fund: $3,588,014. Anticipated Costs to General Fund: $220,794.
SCHEDULED HEARINGS: Tuesday, August 18, 2009 at 1:00 at the Office of Vermont Health Access, 312 Hurricane Lane, Williston VT 05495.
DEADLINE FOR PUBLIC COMMENT: August 25, 2009
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION, CONTACT: Keri Andersen, OVHA 312 Hurricane Lane, Suite 201 Williston, VT 05495 802-879-5903.
Return to the 2009 date selection page for more weekly notices or choose from the links in the left sidebar for notices from a different year.
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- If you have general questions about the rulemaking process, please contact
- Louise Corliss by e-mail at or by phone 802-828-2863
This page was last updated on: 2009-12-11.
