12VAC30-122-60. Financial eligibility standards for individuals. Sections B.3.a.(1) and B.3.b.(1)
Delete the patient pay verbiage that takes earned income from those who work less than 8 hours. Per the regulations, if those affected work 8 - 20, earned income is disregarded. Why less than 8? They have the same work expenses as those who work over 8 hours.

See the text below and note that "at least eight but" is crossed out.

"For an individual employed 20 hours or more per week, earned income shall be disregarded up to a maximum of both earned and unearned income up to 300% of SSI; for an individual employed at least eight but less than 20 hours per week, earned income shall be disregarded up to a maximum of both earned and unearned income up to 200% of SSI."

The 8-hour minimum is arbitrary and unfair. A person who works less than 8 hours per week should not have earned income deducted when they have the same employment expenses as those who work 8-20 hours?

In addition, it is likely that those who work less than 8 hours have more intense issues than those who work more hours. These individuals should not be penalized because they are trying to work.

Please allow a financial incentive to work for those who work less than 8 hours per week.