Cryan Bill to Ensure Seniors Get Food Assistance Gains Committee Approval

Trenton – To ensure seniors with high medical costs receive the food assistance they need, the Senate Budget Committee today approved a bill authored by Senator Joe Cryan that will establish a standard medical expense dedication for the state’s Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program. The bill, S-1049, would allow the deduction for any household that includes a senior citizen, for medical costs, dental care, hospitalization, nursing care, prescription drugs, dentures, and hearing aids, among others.

“This is a program that puts food on the table for those in need,” said Senator Cryan (D-Union). “But some seniors are discouraged from applying because the initial application process can be lengthy and tedious, so they lose out on assistance they need. By creating a standard medical expense deduction, we will help to simplify and streamline the SNAP process, and ensure seniors receive the full benefits they are entitled to.”

The deduction amount would be agreed upon by the New Jersey Department of Human Services and the United States Department of Agriculture. The Commissioner of Health would be required to apply to the United States Department of Agriculture for any necessary waivers to implement the legislation.

Currently, households with a senior citizen are allowed to deduct unreimbursed medical expenses over $35 from their income when calculating their net income to determine their eligibility for SNAP benefits. Deducting expenses from income provides a more realistic picture of how much income families have available to spend on food.