STANDARDS AND PROCEDURES.

(a) The department shall establish minimum eligibility standards and application, documentation, and verification procedures for counties to use in determining eligibility under this chapter.

(b) The minimum eligibility standards must incorporate a net income eligibility level equal to 21 percent of the federal poverty level based on the federal Office of Management and Budget poverty index.

(b-1) Expired.

(b-2) Repealed by Acts 2001, 77th Leg., ch. 1128, Sec. 7, eff. Sept. 1, 2001.

(c) The department shall also define the services and establish the payment standards for the categories of services listed in Sections 61.028(a) and 61.0285 in accordance with commission rules relating to the Temporary Assistance for Needy Families-Medicaid program.

(d) The department shall establish application, documentation, and verification procedures that are consistent with the analogous procedures used to determine eligibility in the Temporary Assistance for Needy Families-Medicaid program. Except as provided by Section 61.008(a)(6), the department may not adopt a standard or procedure that is more restrictive than the Temporary Assistance for Needy Families-Medicaid program or procedures.

(e) The department shall ensure that each person who meets the basic income and resources requirements for Temporary Assistance for Needy Families program payments but who is categorically ineligible for Temporary Assistance for Needy Families will be eligible for assistance under Subchapter B. Except as provided by Section 61.023(b), the executive commissioner by rule shall also provide that a person who receives or is eligible to receive Temporary Assistance for Needy Families, Supplemental Security Income, or Medicaid benefits is not eligible for assistance under Subchapter B even if the person has exhausted a part or all of that person's benefits.

(f) The department shall notify each county and public hospital of any change to department rules that affect the provision of services under this chapter.

(g) Notwithstanding Subsection (a), (b), or (c) or any other provision of law, the department shall permit payment to a licensed dentist for services provided under Sections 61.028(a)(4) and (6) if the dentist can provide those services within the scope of the dentist's license.

(h) Notwithstanding Subsection (a), (b), or (c), the department shall permit payment to a licensed podiatrist for services provided under Sections 61.028(a)(4) and (6), if the podiatrist can provide the services within the scope of the podiatrist's license.