Effective - 28 Aug 2011
402.199. Declaration of policy — contributions to Missouri family trust not to adversely impact other benefits of beneficiaries. — 1. The general assembly hereby finds and declares the following:
(1) It is an essential function of state government to provide basic support and services for certain persons with disabilities;
(2) Many persons with disabilities lack financial resources and must rely upon the government to provide services and support; and
(3) It is in the best interest of the state and is necessary and desirable for the public health, safety, and welfare to encourage, enhance and foster the ability of individuals with disabilities who reside in Missouri or who reside in one of the eight states adjacent to Missouri, and in the best interests of their families and friends to supplement, but not replace, the services and support provided by state government and other governmental programs.
2. In light of the findings and declarations described in subsection 1 of this section, the general assembly hereby declares that contributions to a trust account administered as part of the Missouri family trust by the Missouri family trust board of trustees as authorized in sections 402.199 to 402.208, shall in no way reduce, impair, or diminish the benefits to which the beneficiary of the trust account is otherwise entitled by law, nor shall the administration of the Missouri family trust or any trust account therein be taken into consideration in determining appropriations for programs or services for persons with disabilities, and unless otherwise prohibited by federal statutes or regulations, all state agencies shall disregard the trust account as a resource when determining the eligibility of a resident for assistance under chapter 208.
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(L. 1991 S.B. 311, A.L. 1993 H.B. 136 merged with S.B. 338, A.L. 1999 S.B. 211, A.L. 2004 H.B. 923, A.L. 2011 S.B. 70)