State Adopts Alaska Senior Assistance Program Regulations

Public hearings to be held statewide

Emergency regulations for the Alaska Senior Assistance Program, a new safely net program for needy seniors, took effect July 1, 2003. The Alaska Senior Assistance Program is a needs-based benefit program that offers $120 per month to all Alaskan seniors age 65 or older who meet certain eligibility requirements.

The regulations give specific guidance for implementing the new program. Copies of the regulations, as well as additional information on the Senior Assistance Program, can be found on the Division of Public Assistance (DPA) web page at http://health.hss.state.ak.us/dpa/.

Public hearings on the regulations will be held in Fairbanks at the Westmark Hotel on July 15th, in Anchorage at the Egan Center on July 16th, and in Juneau at the Centennial Hall on July 17th. Hearings will also be held on July 23rd by teleconference at many Legislative Information Offices (LIO) around the state. Written or oral comments will be accepted between 9:00 AM and Noon, and between 1:00 PM and 4:00 PM.