Bill Text: PA HB2713 | 2011-2012 | Regular Session | Introduced

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Bill Title: In public assistance, further providing for definitions; repealing provisions relating to general assistance-related categorically needy and medically needy only medical assistance programs; and establishing the General Assistance Program.

Spectrum: Partisan Bill (Democrat 10-0)

Status: (Introduced - Dead) 2012-10-17 - Referred to HEALTH [HB2713 Detail]

Download: Pennsylvania-2011-HB2713-Introduced.html

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PRINTER'S NO. 4290
THE GENERAL ASSEMBLY OF PENNSYLVANIA
HOUSE BILL
No. 2713 Session of2012
INTRODUCED BY JAMES, THOMAS, BISHOP, CALTAGIRONE, FRANKEL, GOODMAN, HORNAMAN, PARKER AND WATERS, OCTOBER 17, 2012
REFERRED TO COMMITTEE ON HEALTH, OCTOBER 17, 2012
AN ACT
Amending the act of June 13, 1967 (P.L.31, No.21), entitled "An
act to consolidate, editorially revise, and codify the public
welfare laws of the Commonwealth," in public assistance,
further providing for definitions; repealing provisions
relating to general assistance-related categorically needy
and medically needy only medical assistance programs; and
establishing the General Assistance Program.
The General Assembly of the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania
hereby enacts as follows:
Section 1. The definition of "general assistance-related
categorically needy medical assistance" in section 402 of the
act of June 13, 1967 (P.L.31, No.21), known as the Public
Welfare Code, added June 30, 2012 (P.L.668, No.80), is amended
and the section is amended by adding a definition to read:
Section 402. Definitions.--As used in this article, unless
the context clearly indicates otherwise:
* * *
"General assistance" means assistance for individuals who
meet the requirements under section 432(3).
["General assistance-related categorically needy medical
assistance" means medical assistance for persons who meet the
requirements under section 432(3).]
* * *
Section 2. Section 403.2 of the act, added June 30, 2012
(P.L.668, No.80), is repealed:
[Section 403.2. General Assistance-Related Categorically
Needy and Medically Needy Only Medical Assistance Programs.--(a)
Subject to subsection (b) and notwithstanding any other
provision of law, the general assistance cash assistance program
shall cease August 1, 2012.
(b) The general assistance-related categorically needy
medical assistance program shall continue, including, but not
limited to, the eligibility and work and work-related
requirements under this article. The general assistance-related
medical assistance program for the medically needy only shall
continue.]
Section 3. The act is amended by adding a section to read:
Section 403.3. Establishment of General Assistance
Program.--(a) The General Assistance Program is established
within the department. The program shall be designed to help
residents of this Commonwealth who do not meet the Federal
requirements of Temporary Assistance for Needy Families program
by providing them with cash assistance grants and medical
assistance benefits.
(b) Eligible recipients of general assistance shall include:
(1) Childless adults with a permanent or temporary
disability.
(2) Domestic violence victims.
(3) Children under eighteen years of age under the care of
an unrelated adult.
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(4) Individuals between eighteen and twenty years of age
attending a secondary school.
(5) Individuals in a drug and alcohol treatment program.
(6) Any additional individuals that the department may deem
appropriate.
(c) Cash grants shall be paid to an eligible recipient
either biweekly or monthly, at the discretion of the department
and depending on the circumstances of the eligible recipient.
Recipients shall meet the work requirements outlined in section
432.3 in order to be eligible for both the cash grant and
medical assistance benefits of the General Assistance Program.
(d) Eligibility for the General Assistance Program shall be
redetermined at least once a year to ensure that each recipient
receiving benefits under the program continues to be eligible
for the benefits.
(e) The sum of one hundred thirty million dollars
($130,000,000) shall be transferred annually from the State
Gaming Fund to the department for the purpose of issuing cash
grants through the department's General Assistance Program.
Section 4. This act shall take effect immediately.
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