SNAP Standard Medical Expense Deduction Act of 2017
The source supplies the latest action, but no lifecycle stage.
Latest action (2 Aug 2017): Read twice and referred to the Committee on Agriculture, Nutrition, and Forestry.
What this bill does
This bill proposes changes to the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP). Specifically, it would allow households with an elderly or disabled member to use a standard deduction for medical expenses when calculating their income for SNAP benefits. If a household's actual medical expenses, excluding special diets, are $35 or more, they could receive a $140 deduction in fiscal year 2018. For subsequent years, this amount would be adjusted for inflation. If actual medical costs exceed the standard deduction plus $35, the household could deduct the actual costs.
The bill affects households containing an elderly or disabled member who incur medical expenses. The Department of Agriculture could approve higher standard medical deductions than what this bill mandates. The bill also requires the Department of Agriculture to conduct and report on studies concerning state performance in enrolling eligible elderly and disabled individuals in SNAP and Medicare programs, the link between disability and food insecurity, and the effectiveness of the standard medical deduction.
This bill, S. 1707, was introduced in the Senate in August 2017. Its current status is "Introduced," meaning it has not yet moved through the legislative process to become law. Next steps would involve committee review, potential amendments, and votes in the Senate, followed by a similar process in the House of Representatives if it passes the Senate.
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
2 Aug 2017
Read twice and referred to the Committee on Agriculture, Nutrition, and Forestry.
Common questions
- What does S. 1707 do?
- This bill proposes changes to the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP). Specifically, it would allow households with an elderly or disabled member to use a standard deduction for medical expenses when calculating their income for SNAP benefits. If a household's actual medical expenses, excluding special diets, are $35 or more, they could receive a $140 deduction in fiscal year 2018. For subsequent years, this amount would be adjusted for inflation. If actual medical costs exceed the standard deduction plus $35, the household could deduct the actual costs. The bill affects households containing an elderly or disabled member who incur medical expenses. The Department of Agriculture could approve higher standard medical deductions than what this bill mandates. The bill also requires the Department of Agriculture to conduct and report on studies concerning state performance in enrolling eligible elderly and disabled individuals in SNAP and Medicare programs, the link between disability and food insecurity, and the effectiveness of the standard medical deduction. This bill, S. 1707, was introduced in the Senate in August 2017. Its current status is "Introduced," meaning it has not yet moved through the legislative process to become law. Next steps would involve committee review, potential amendments, and votes in the Senate, followed by a similar process in the House of Representatives if it passes the Senate.
- Has S. 1707 become law?
- The source does not supply a confirmed lifecycle stage for S. 1707. Check the latest action and official source below.
- Who sponsored S. 1707?
- S. 1707 was sponsored by Sen. Gillibrand, Kirsten E. [D-NY] (D-NY), with 1 cosponsor.
- What's the latest action on S. 1707?
- Read twice and referred to the Committee on Agriculture, Nutrition, and Forestry. (2 Aug 2017).
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