§ 254. Cost of living adjustment. 1. Within amounts appropriated, the commissioner of health shall adjust the program eligibility standards set forth in subdivision two of section two hundred forty-two of this title to account for increases in the cost of living.

2. The commissioner shall further adjust individual and joint income categories set forth in subdivisions two and four of section two hundred forty-eight of this title to conform to the adjustments made pursuant to subdivision one of this section.