The department shall administer a program of medical coverage for persons residing in cost reimbursement boarding homes who, but for their income, would be eligible for supplemental security income benefits on account of blindness, disability or age, and who do not have sufficient income to meet the per resident payment rate for boarding home care, including an amount for personal needs of at least $30 a month. Notwithstanding supplemental security income eligibility regulations, the department may impose a penalty for certain transfers of assets. Rules adopted pursuant to this section are routine technical rules as defined by Title 5, chapter 375, subchapter II?A. [PL 2001, c. 559, Pt. X, §5 (AMD).]