The Division of Senior Benefits and Utilization Management (SBUM) proposes to readopt with amendments N.J.A.C. 8:83A, which establishes the Lifeline Credit and Tenants Lifeline Assistance Programs.  The programs provide financial assistance to eligible lower income senior citizens and disabled individuals in the amount of $225 toward the cost of their residential gas and electricity bills.  Tenants receive assistance in the form of a check if their utility costs are included as part of their rent.  Utility customers are given a credit that is applied to their utility bill.  The proposed amendments would allow the Department to store applicant and beneficiary records in an electronic format, and would allow the Department to release information on beneficiaries to necessary State agencies to determine eligibility for the Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program.

SBUM also proposes to readopt with amendments N.J.A.C. 8:83C, which establishes the Hearing Aid Assistance to the Aged and Disabled Program.  The program provides financial assistance in the amount of $100 to beneficiaries who meet the age or disability, income and residency requirements of the Pharmaceutical Assistance to the Aged and Disabled Program found at N.J.A.C. 8:83.  The proposed amendments would allow the Department to store applicant and beneficiary information in an electronic format, and would describe how to obtain applications to apply for the program.

       The notices of proposal appear in the October 19, 2009 issue of the New Jersey Register.

       The public has until December 18, 2009 to comment on the proposal.  Persons wishing to comment on the proposal must submit their comments in writing to Ruth Charbonneau, Director, Office of Legal and Regulatory Affairs, New Jersey Department of Health and Senior Services, PO Box 360, Trenton, NJ 08625-0360.  Written comments on the proposal must be postmarked on or before December 22, 2009, which is the close of the 60-day public comment period for the proposal.