Excludes donations up to $15,000 when determining income eligibility for applicants to the Catastrophic Illness in Children Relief Fund program.
Impact
The proposed change under A3862 intends to positively impact many families who benefit from community support during difficult times. Currently, these families might be ineligible for assistance from the Catastrophic Illness in Children Relief Fund if their reported income includes donations intended to assist them with living and medical expenses. This bill creates a more supportive financial environment, ensuring that community efforts to gather funds do not adversely affect a family's ability to receive government aid.
Summary
Assembly Bill A3862 seeks to amend the current provisions of the Catastrophic Illness in Children Relief Fund program by allowing parents or legal guardians to exclude donations up to $15,000 from their income when determining eligibility for the program. This program is particularly focused on providing financial relief for families facing medical expenses related to their children's catastrophic illnesses. By establishing this exclusion, the bill aims to remove barriers that may prevent families from accessing necessary support due to perceived excess income from community fundraising efforts.
Contention
While the bill has been primarily framed as a beneficial measure for families, there could be points of contention regarding the financial implications for the state. Critics may express concerns about the potential strain on state resources, considering how the exclusion of such income might influence overall fund distribution and eligibility criteria in the long run. Nonetheless, supporters argue that excluding community donations from income calculations is a necessary step to alleviate the financial burden on families dealing with catastrophic childhood illnesses, thus justifying the expense.
Carry Over
Excludes donations up to $15,000 when determining income eligibility for applicants to the Catastrophic Illness in Children Relief Fund program.
Establishes Children's Catastrophic Illness in Children Relief Fund to provide finance assistance to families for medical expenses not covered by state or federal programs or insurance contract.
Establishes Children's Catastrophic Illness in Children Relief Fund to provide finance assistance to families for medical expenses not covered by state or federal programs or insurance contract.
Establishes Children's Catastrophic Illness in Children Relief Fund to provide finance assistance to families for medical expenses not covered by state or federal programs or insurance contract.