OLGT 2023-06: SNAP: Out-of-Pocket Medical Expenses Form and SMD Waiver Clarifications

As noted in Online Guide Transmittal 2022-49, USDA has approved a waiver that allows SNAP clients to self-declare medical expenses greater than $35 but less than (or equal to) $190. To help elderly and/or disabled clients take advantage of this waiver, the Department has created the Out-of-Pocket Medical Expenses Form.

The Out-of-Pocket Medical Expenses Form is a fillable PDF file that clients can print and complete by hand, or staff can complete for the client so that the client can sign the form telephonically. The form includes a checklist of common medical expenses with fields for indicating the cost and frequency of each item.

A link to download this form is now in Mass.gov, DTA Online, Policy Online, and the Standard Medical Deduction Waiver page in the Online Guide. If an elderly and/or disabled client has medical expenses but is unable to provide information while speaking with a worker (e.g., the client cannot remember specific frequencies or costs), staff must encourage them to complete this form. This form will also be made available to advocate agencies that assist elderly and/or disabled clients.