Emergency Regulations Signed Extending Senior Cash Benefits

June 19, 2007, Anchorage, Alaska ─ Lieutenant Governor Sean Parnell signed emergency regulations last evening that extend the cash benefits to the state’s seniors for one additional month, as requested by Governor Sarah Palin on May 23, 2007.

The emergency regulations will allow the Department of Health and Social Services to pay the same benefits for the month of July as currently available under SeniorCare. That program will end on June 30, 2007. The new component will be named the Senior Benefits Program. This will be a temporary solution until the Alaska Legislature convenes regarding senior assistance legislation during a special session that will begin June 26, 2007.

"Financial assistance for our seniors continues to be a priority for me," said Governor Sarah Palin. "I am hopeful that the Legislature will find an equitable solution when it reconvenes in a special session later this month."

The Department of Health and Social Services is sending letters to SeniorCare recipients, explaining that senior benefits will be extended. As of April, there were 6,715 Alaska seniors receiving senior benefits.

Seniors are encouraged to call the Senior Information hotline at 1-800-478-6065 statewide or 269-3680 in Anchorage. The hotline staff can provide seniors with referrals to available state programs, senior centers and other community resources.

A copy of the filed regulations is available online at: http://www.hss.state.ak.us/publicnotice/regulations.cfm#LtGovernor.

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