SUBJECT:
MEDICAL MILEAGE INCLUDES MILEAGE TO A PHARMACY
FOOD STAMP MANUAL UPDATE #25:
1102.015.15
1115.035.15.05
1115.035.15.10
1115.035.15.15
1115.035.15.20
1115.035.15.25
DISCUSSION:
The purpose of this memorandum is to provide clarification for budgeting medical expenses for the Food Stamp Program.
- The cost of postage for mail-order prescription medication is an allowable medical expense deduction for the Food Stamp Program.
Verify how often the EU pays the cost of postage for the prescriptions. Accept the client’s statement on the amount if it seems reasonable.
- We have received clarification that transportation costs for trips to a pharmacy or other location to fill prescriptions are allowed for individuals that are elderly or disabled.
Effective immediately, allow transportation costs to fill prescriptions when determining eligibility for food stamp benefits.
At next contact, review any eligibility units where transportation costs to fill prescriptions, or postage for mail-order prescription medication were not allowed and update the expense. If cumulative changes result in reduction of benefits, disregard the action. If food stamp benefits increase, complete the action.
Continue to verify Medical Expenses as described in Memorandum IM-#47 dated May 27, 2005.
The Excess Medical Deduction sections of the Food Stamp Manual are revised. The revision includes clarifications to policy, formatting changes, changing household to EU, adding FAMIS processes and procedures, and adding the income source codes. A procedure guide BUDGETING MEDICAL EXPENSES is developed to instruct staff on how to enter this type of income.
Food Stamp Manual Sections 1102.015.15 and 1115.035.15.10 have been updated to include transportation costs for trips to a pharmacy or other location to fill prescriptions.
NECESSARY ACTION:
- Review this memorandum with appropriate staff.
- Allow transportation costs for trips to a pharmacy or other location to fill prescriptions for qualifying individuals.
- The cost of postage for mail-order prescription medication is an allowable medical expense deduction for the Food Stamp Program.
NEY/JKW