Bill > HB65

This bill amends Pennsylvania's laws regarding financial responsibility for indigent individuals, primarily focusing on relatives' liability for medical assistance costs. The bill updates terminology by replacing "Public Welfare" with "Human Services" and clarifies the responsibilities of spouses, children, and parents in supporting an indigent family member. Specifically, the bill establishes that family members are responsible for financially assisting an indigent person, with certain conditions and exceptions. For individuals seeking long-term medical services and supports (such as nursing home care), the bill outlines circumstances where relatives may be liable, including situations involving asset transfers within five years of applying for assistance or failure to cooperate with the medical assistance eligibility process. The bill also sets limits on the financial liability of relatives, capping their potential contribution to either six times their excess monthly income or the total cost of medical services, whichever is less. The Department of Human Services retains the ability to adjust or eliminate liability based on available budget funds. These changes aim to provide clearer guidelines for financial support of indigent individuals while protecting family members from excessive financial burden.

Health and Social Services

https://www.legis.state.pa.us/cfdocs/billinfo/bill_history.cfm?syear=2025&sind=0&body=H&type=B&bn=65