IMPLEMENTATION OF THE NEW FOOD PACKAGES a. Can State agencies conduct a pilot test of new food package issuance (on a small-scale) prior to State-wide rollout?
If the State agency is referring to pilot testing the actual issuance of food benefits, the answer is no. As stated in the interim rule, the State agency may phase-in the new food packages on a participant category basis, but once the State agency begins issuing the new food packages, it must be done on a Statewide basis. Because of issues of equity and participant and vendor confusion, piloting the issuance of food benefits is not authorized. If the State agencys question pertains to the testing of processes and systems without the actual issuance of food benefits, then yes, that is acceptable. b. If State agencies are using a 2 or 3-month issuance cycle, do they begin issuing new packages in August for the August/September/October benefit periods to assure new packages are received in October 2009? Any participant issued benefits on or after October 1, 2009, must receive a food package based on the interim rule. It is up to the State agency to decide the process for making this work.
Related Questions
- If FDA contracts with state or local agencies to conduct compliance checks, can the state or local authority use that information to take action under their own laws?
- May State agencies categorically tailor the regulatory monthly maximum amounts of food in the food packages as a means of cost savings for caseload management?
- Can State agencies conduct a pilot test of new food package issuance (on a small-scale) prior to State-wide rollout?
