TO:	Commissioners; TA Directors, Finance Directors and Medicaid Directors   

FROM:	Russell Sykes, Deputy Commissioner, Division of Employment and Transitional Supports

SUBJECT:	  Lien Procedures: Amendment to Social Service Law 104-b 

EFFECTIVE DATE:	Immediately

CONTACT PERSON:	Temporary Assistance Bureau at (800) 343-8859 ext. 4-9344 and Medicaid Local District Support Liaison – Upstate (518) 474-8216; NYC (212) 417-4500. 

The purpose of this GIS is to advise local districts of the enactment of Chapter 281 of the Laws of 2005.  That Chapter amended section 104-b(2) of the Social Services Law to allow social services districts to use certified mail with return receipt or registered mail when serving a notice of lien on those temporary assistance recipients and Medicaid recipients from whom they seek to recover from any personal injury awards the assistance and care provided after the injuries were incurred.  Prior to the enactment of Chapter 281, section 104-b of the Social Services Law required the use of registered mail.  It is anticipated that the amendment to section 104-b of the Social Services Law will result in administrative savings for districts.  Chapter 281 became effective July 19, 2005.  This change applies to both Temporary Assistance and Medicaid.