Food Stamps Medical Deduction: How many elderly people can get significantly more food stamps

Who is Eligible? 

Elderly (Age 60 or Older)

OR 

Disabled (Receiving SSD, SSI, VA disability benefits, RR disability, or other government disability benefits)

What is it? 

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An extra deduction used to lower recipients’ income so many get MORE food stamps each month “Medical Expenses” in excess of $35 per month can be used “Medical Expenses” as used here has a very broad definition

Client Example 

John Smith – Client 

Mr. Smith is a 65 year old widower. He lives in Lafayette, Georgia. He receives $1325.00 in social security retirement benefits each month. He pays $525.00 for his monthly mortgage payment. When you discuss the list of medical deductions, he tells you he pays $96.40 for his Medicare Part B Premium, $90 for his Prescription co-pays, and $150 per month for his Medicare supplement program.

John Smith’s Medical Mileage  

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X-rays at the Hospital – 18 miles one way Dr. Jones – Cardiologist – located in Chattanooga – 26 miles one way Dr. Smith – Diabetes – located in Chattanooga – 26 miles one way Drop off and pick up prescription – 4 miles round trip Blood Work – hospital – 18 miles

John Smith – What a difference the Medical Deduction can make! 

If no medical deductions… 

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Without Medical Deductions he does not meet the Net Income Limit ($867)

With Medical Deductions he is eligible for $58.00 in Food Stamps With his added Medical Mileage Deduction he is eligible for $103.00 in Food Stamps

What Medical Expenses Count? 

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Medical Insurance Premiums (Medicare and Rx Plan) Doctor or Dentist Bills Hospital Bills Outpatient treatment Rehabilitation Prescription Drugs Medical Supplies

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Emergency Response Equipment Life Insurance Policy Premiums (if payable on death) Animal expenses (if needed for your disability – i.e. guide dog)

What Medical Expenses Count?  

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Telephone equipment for the disabled The cost of a live in aid, homemaker services, or child care services that is needed because of your disability Transportation and lodging to get medical treatment (trips to doctor, dentist, pharmacy, or to get eyeglasses) 

Includes cost of mileage (at $.55 per mile), bus, parking, hotel, taxi, etc.)

More About Mileage Deduction 

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Before July 2009 there was no DFCS form to report mileage GLSP advocacy efforts with the State Why is mileage important?  

Increase the minimum amount of food stamps This is already an expense many seniors have

As of July 2009 - How is Mileage Reported? 

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DFCS Form 840 Medical Transportation Log DFCS made this a part of policy in May 2009 Get the form from DFCS caseworker, at local GLSP office, or online at ODIS (all state policies and procedures can be found online - http://www.odis.dhr.state.ga.us)

Medical Transportation Expense Log

Name: Address:

Date

Purpose of Trip (Dr. Visit, To Hospital, Rx Pickup)

Total Miles Driven

Total:

FORM 840

Cost of Taxi or Bus

$0.00

Cost of Parking or Lodging

$0.00

Georgia Department of Human Resources Division of Family and Children Services

Medical Transportation Expense Log

Name:

JOHN SMITH

Address:

LAFAYETTE, GA

Date

Purpose of Trip (Dr. Visit, To Hospital, Rx Pickup)

Miles Driven Cost of Taxi Cost of or Bus Parking or Lodging

8/2

X rays at the Hospital

36

8/3

Dr. Jones – Cardiac

52

8/10

Dr. Smith – Diabetes

52

8/14

Drop off and pick up Prescription

4

8/20

Blood Work

36

Total:

180

$0.00

$0.00

Calculations (Done by DFCS) 

Current Mileage Reimbursement Rate = $.55 (Same rate as Georgia State employees)

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Multiply Total Monthly Mileage x $.55 = Mileage Expense

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180 miles x $.55 = $99.00 Mileage Expense

What Should YOU Do? 

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Go through list of expenses with your relative/client/customer Help them gather verification to turn in to DFCS  

Make copies Request printouts from Pharmacy or Doctor’s office

Resources 

http://www.odis.dhr.state.ga.us 

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All DFCS policies available here

To access food stamps policy:  

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Click on Index Then click on Family and Children Then click on Food Stamps Then click on Man3420 You can then scroll through various policy topics To access Form 840 click on Appendix F and scroll down to Form 840

Resources  

Georgia Legal Services Program Georgia Advocates 

http://www.georgiaadvocates.org/