CS for HB 258(HSS) Summary

• Amends AS 43.23.240 to clarify that individuals denied federal medical assistance solely due to permanent fund dividend receipt are eligible for state-funded medical assistance under the general relief and burial assistance program for up to four months.

• Adds language throughout statute to explicitly reference "burial assistance" alongside "general relief" in multiple sections, including Department of Health administration and investigative authority provisions.

• Modifies the definition of "assistance" in AS 47.25.300 to specify that assistance includes "assisted living facility expenses" and separates "funeral and burial expenses" from medical care language.

• Creates eligibility for individuals denied or reduced public assistance solely due to receipt of longevity bonus under AS 47.45.010-47.45.160 to receive general relief and burial assistance for up to four months at the same level they would have received otherwise.

• Effective date: January 1, 2025.