Bill > HB1606

This bill amends the Human Services Code to increase the personal needs allowance for medical assistance-eligible individuals residing in nursing facilities. Specifically, the bill mandates that, subject to federal approval, the personal needs allowance will be raised to at least $85 starting January 1, 2026. The personal needs allowance is a set amount of money that nursing facility residents on medical assistance are allowed to keep for personal expenses, such as toiletries, clothing, or other small personal items, while the majority of their income goes toward their care costs. This change aims to provide nursing home residents with a slightly higher amount of money for personal expenditures, potentially improving their quality of life and ability to purchase personal items. The bill includes a provision for the change to take effect immediately upon enactment, though the actual increase will not occur until January 1, 2026, and is contingent on receiving federal approval.

Health and Social Services

https://www.legis.state.pa.us/cfdocs/billinfo/bill_history.cfm?syear=2025&sind=0&body=H&type=B&bn=1606