The bill amends Section 40-8-3 and Section 40-6-8 of the General Laws, which pertain to Medical Assistance and the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), respectively. The bill introduces new language to disregard any increase in a recipient's income that is solely due to a cost-of-living adjustment to Social Security and Railroad Retirement payments when determining eligibility for medical assistance and SNAP benefits. This means that such cost-of-living adjustments will not affect an individual's qualification for these assistance programs.

Additionally, the bill specifies that a vehicle necessary to transport a family member with a disability, which is either specially equipped or a special type of vehicle for the person's needs, shall not be counted as a resource when assessing applicants' and recipients' eligibility. The bill also updates the title of the food stamp program to SNAP, reflecting the program's current name, and mandates the department to streamline the application process for SNAP beneficiaries aged 60 and over. The act is set to take effect upon passage.

Statutes affected:
5994: 40-8-3, 40-6-8