This bill amends various sections of Alaska's statutes to expand eligibility for state-funded medical and cash assistance programs, specifically incorporating provisions for burial assistance alongside general relief. It establishes that individuals denied medical assistance due to the receipt of a permanent fund dividend, or whose assistance is reduced because such dividends are counted as income, are eligible for state-funded medical assistance and cash assistance for up to four months. The bill also updates the Department of Health's responsibilities to include the administration of general relief and burial assistance programs.

Additionally, the bill modifies the definition of "assistance" to explicitly include financial support for funeral and burial expenses, as well as assisted living facility costs. It also clarifies that if a general relief and burial assistance allowance is found to have been improperly granted, the state can cancel the allowance and seek recovery of the funds. The effective date for these changes is set for January 1, 2026.

Statutes affected:
HB0022A, AM HB 22, introduced 01/10/2025: 43.23.240, 47.25.120, 47.25.300, U.S.C, 47.25.130, 44.29.020, 47.30.660, 47.30.915, 47.05.085, 47.25.260, 47.45.122