SNAP Standard Medical Expense Deduction Act of 2017
The source supplies the latest action, but no lifecycle stage.
Latest action (5 Oct 2017): Referred to the Subcommittee on Nutrition.
What this bill does
This bill proposes to change how medical expenses affect Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) benefits for households with an elderly or disabled member. Currently, households may deduct actual medical costs. This bill would allow them to use a standard deduction if their actual medical expenses for the month, excluding special diets, are $35 or more. For fiscal year 2018, this standard deduction would be $140 per month. In subsequent years, it would be adjusted for inflation. If actual medical costs exceed the standard deduction plus $35, the household can deduct the actual costs.
The bill affects households with elderly or disabled members applying for SNAP benefits. It also requires the Department of Agriculture to conduct studies and submit reports to Congress on various topics, including state performance in enrolling eligible seniors and disabled individuals in SNAP and other programs, the relationship between disability and food insecurity, and the effectiveness of the proposed standard medical deduction.
H.R. 3749 was introduced in the House of Representatives in September 2017 and referred to multiple committees for consideration. As of its introduction, it had not moved beyond that initial stage in the legislative process.
Plain-English summary generated by Bill100 AI from the official record. Always verify against the source below.
Official summary
SNAP Standard Medical Expense Deduction Act of 2017
This bill amends the Food and Nutrition Act of 2008 to allow households containing an elderly or disabled member to use a standard medical expense deduction for calculating income to apply for Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP, formerly known as the food stamp program) benefits.
If the amount of actual costs of allowable medical expenses incurred by the elderly or disabled member for a month, exclusive of special diets, is equal to or greater than $35, the standard medical deduction for each month is: (1) $140 for FY2018, and (2) the preceding year's amount with a specified adjustment for inflation for FY2019 and each subsequent year. If the monthly costs are greater than the sum of the standard medical deduction and $35, the household may deduct the actual costs.
The Department of Agriculture (USDA) may approve a standard medical deduction that is higher than the amount required by this bill.
USDA must submit specified studies and reports to Congress regarding: (1) state performance in enrolling disabled and elderly individuals in SNAP and specified Medicare programs, (2) disability and food insecurity, and (3) the effectiveness of the standard medical deduction.
Timeline
5 Oct 2017
Referred to the Subcommittee on Nutrition.
Common questions
- What does H.R. 3749 do?
- This bill proposes to change how medical expenses affect Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) benefits for households with an elderly or disabled member. Currently, households may deduct actual medical costs. This bill would allow them to use a standard deduction if their actual medical expenses for the month, excluding special diets, are $35 or more. For fiscal year 2018, this standard deduction would be $140 per month. In subsequent years, it would be adjusted for inflation. If actual medical costs exceed the standard deduction plus $35, the household can deduct the actual costs. The bill affects households with elderly or disabled members applying for SNAP benefits. It also requires the Department of Agriculture to conduct studies and submit reports to Congress on various topics, including state performance in enrolling eligible seniors and disabled individuals in SNAP and other programs, the relationship between disability and food insecurity, and the effectiveness of the proposed standard medical deduction. H.R. 3749 was introduced in the House of Representatives in September 2017 and referred to multiple committees for consideration. As of its introduction, it had not moved beyond that initial stage in the legislative process.
- Has H.R. 3749 become law?
- The source does not supply a confirmed lifecycle stage for H.R. 3749. Check the latest action and official source below.
- Who sponsored H.R. 3749?
- H.R. 3749 was sponsored by Rep. Lawson, Al, Jr. [D-FL-5] (D-FL), with 26 cosponsors.
- What's the latest action on H.R. 3749?
- Referred to the Subcommittee on Nutrition. (5 Oct 2017).
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