R510-401-8. Voluntary Contributions

(1) Individuals receiving services from this program may be encouraged to participate in voluntary contributions for services, provided that the method of solicitation is non-coercive.

(2) Voluntary contributions shall in no way be based on a means test of an individual client's income.

(3) Each Area Agency on Aging shall implement procedures for voluntary contributions in the UCSP, and shall comply, at a minimum, with the following:

(a) provide each recipient with an opportunity to voluntarily contribute to the cost of the services;

(b) clearly inform each recipient that there is no obligation to contribute and that the contribution is purely voluntary;

(c) protect the privacy and confidentiality of each recipient with respect to the recipient's contribution or lack of contribution; and

(d) establish appropriate procedures to safeguard and account for voluntary contributions.

(4) Use all collected voluntary contributions to expand the service for which such contributions were given.

(5) In no instance shall services be denied if individuals do not participate in voluntary contributions.

(6) Area Agencies on Aging will consult with relevant service providers and older individuals in their planning and service area to determine the best method for accepting voluntary contributions.