Sec. 1. 22 MRSA §3782-A, sub-§5, as enacted by PL 1997, c. 530, Pt. A, §19, is amended to read:

5. Child care during participation in employment, education and training. The department shall provide child care in accordance with federal law and this Title when the child care is necessary to permit a TANF-eligible family member to participate in the ASPIRE-TANF program.

The department shall provide an ASPIRE-TANF program participant's actual cost for child care up to the maximum rate authorized by federal law, less the copayment based on family income that is required from each participant. In determining the maximum rate, the State shall use a method that results in an amount that equals, or most closely approaches, the actual market rate in different regions of the State for various types of child care services received by families in the State participating in the ASPIRE-TANF program.

SUMMARY

This bill requires the Department of Health and Human Services to charge a copayment based on family income for child care for participants in the ASPIRE-TANF program under the Maine Revised Statutes, Title 22, chapter 1054-A.