Excludes donations up to $15,000 when determining income eligibility for applicants to the Catastrophic Illness in Children Relief Fund program.
Impact
The implementation of A639 is expected to significantly impact state laws regarding financial assistance programs for families dealing with serious health issues. Prior to this bill, any donations received were counted as income, which could disqualify families from receiving vital support from the Catastrophic Illness in Children Relief Fund. By excluding these donations, families can better navigate financial challenges and thus receive necessary assistance without fear of losing out on additional resources.
Summary
Assembly Bill A639 aims to amend the eligibility criteria for the Catastrophic Illness in Children Relief Fund program by allowing a parent or legal guardian to exclude up to $15,000 in community donations from their income when determining eligibility for assistance. This change is intended to ensure that families can receive financial support from their communities without it negatively impacting their eligibility for critical medical expense reimbursements for children with catastrophic illnesses.
Contention
While the bill has been framed as a necessary support for families in distress, there could be potential points of contention regarding its implementation. Questions may arise about verifying the authenticity of the donations and how this exclusion interacts with other state aid programs. Some stakeholders may express concern over the equity of this measure, asking whether it might unjustly privilege certain families depending on their community's fundraising ability. Furthermore, the bill's phrasing regarding 'reasonable and necessary costs' could lead to interpretations that challenge the extent of support provided.
Establishes Children's Catastrophic Illness in Children Relief Fund to provide finance assistance to families for medical expenses not covered by state or federal programs or insurance contract.
Establishes Children's Catastrophic Illness in Children Relief Fund to provide finance assistance to families for medical expenses not covered by state or federal programs or insurance contract.