STATE OF ALASKA

Department of Health and Social Services

Division of Public Assistance

TRANSMITTAL NUMBER:   2012-03

MANUAL:   Alaska Food Stamp Program

DATE:   July 16, 2012

The Food Stamp program allows a deduction for medical expenses for individuals who are elderly or disabled.  The Food and Nutrition Service recently clarified that this medical deduction is not allowed for medical marijuana.  This manual change updates the Food Stamp manual to include medical marijuana as a medical expense that is not allowed.

If you have any questions please contact the Policy and Program Development Team at 465-3382 or e-mail dpapolicy@alaska.gov.

OVERVIEW OF CHANGES

• Adds medical marijuana as an expense not allowed as a medical deduction for Food Stamps.