938 COST SHARE AND PROVIDER CO-PAY (FAM-A)

All families must contribute to the cost of care. A family cap amount and family cost share is determined by DHHS.  The family’s cap amount is calculated based on a percentage of the family’s gross income. The percentage used is based on the income Step level by which the family became eligible for NH Child Care Scholarship. The family cap amount and family cost share is different for each family.

The family cap amount and family cost share is calculated at initial application or redetermination. On the day of initial application or redetermination, the family cap amount and family cost share are the same; however, the family cost share may decrease or increase during the eligibility certification period, but never exceed the family cap amount. During the entire current 12-month eligibility certification period, the family cap amount will remain the same.

For job search, at initial application or redetermination, if the parent becomes employed during the 92-calendar day period, the family cap amount, cost share and service level is recalculated because a new 12-month eligibility certification period begins the date the new activity begins.  Since a new 12-month eligibility certification period begins again, the family cap amount, cost share, and service level is recalculated.

The family cost share is divided equally among all eligible children linked to an enrolled child care provider. Each child has their own child cost share. The child’s cost share is the amount the Department has determined the family owes the child care provider as their contribution towards the cost of child care. The child’s cost share is deducted from the DHHS weekly standard rate or the provider’s actual charge, if less. The provider has the option to choose whether to charge the family the cost share (parent’s required contribution by DHHS), co-pay (the difference between what DHHS pays and the child care provider charges) or both.  It is the family’s responsibility to ask the child care provider how much their child care services will cost each week.

If the family is in Continued assistance and verifies any new activity within 92-calendar days after the redetermination month is completed, the family cap, cost share, and service level is recalculated.  A new 12-month eligibility certification period will begin from the date of the new activity. Since a new 12-month eligibility certification period begins again, the family cap amount, cost share, and service level is recalculated.

During 12-month eligibility, if the family is in Continued assistance and reengages in an approved activity during the 92-calendar day period, the family cost share is recalculated, but will not go higher than the family cap amount determined at the most recent 12- month eligibility certification period.

“Family cap amount” means a DHHS determined percentage of the family’s gross income and the Step level by which the family is determined eligible for NH Child Care Scholarship. Once calculated, the family cap amount will remain the same throughout the current 12-month eligibility certification period with the exception of initial determination or redetermination of job search.

“Family cost share” means a DHHS determined cost families are required to contribute for child care services based on Step level and income, which may decrease or increase during the current 12-month certification eligibility period. The family cost share will never exceed the family cap amount during the current 12-month eligibility certification period.

“Child cost share” means a family with more than one child eligible for NH Child Care Scholarship will have the family cost share amount divided equally among all the eligible children linked to an enrolled child care provider.

“Weekly Standard Rate” means a DHHS determined rate used to calculate a child care scholarship.

 “Co-pay” means the difference between the provider's charge and the NH Weekly Standard Rate. It only occurs when the provider's charge is greater than the NH   Weekly Standard Rate. There is no co-pay when the provider's charge is less than the NH Weekly Standard Rate. The provider may choose whether to charge families for this difference. Families are responsible for paying this difference, if charged, directly to the child care provider in addition to their cost share.

References: He-C 6910.18, RSA 161:2,XII, RSA 167:83,II, 45 CFR 98.42