Bill > HF225

This bill modifies the personal needs allowance for individuals residing in certain healthcare facilities under the medical assistance program. Currently, residents of nursing facilities, intermediate care facilities for persons with intellectual disabilities or mental illness, or psychiatric medical institutions for children are allowed to retain $50 per month for personal expenses. The bill increases this monthly personal needs allowance from $50 to $75. Additionally, for residents with monthly income below $75, the state will provide a supplement to ensure they receive the full $75 personal needs allowance. The bill also introduces an annual adjustment mechanism, requiring the department to increase the personal needs allowance at the same rate and time as federal supplemental security income and social security benefits are increased due to cost of living adjustments. To provide further financial protection, the bill caps the personal needs allowance at $200 per month. This change aims to provide more financial flexibility for residents in long-term care facilities by increasing the amount of money they can retain for personal expenses.