Bill > A755

This bill increases the personal needs allowance, which is a monthly amount of money low-income individuals receiving medical assistance can keep for their own expenses, from $35 to $55 for those residing in certain facilities, and also mandates that this allowance be increased annually starting in 2007, with the Commissioner of Human Services responsible for determining the exact amount of the increase. The bill also makes other adjustments to provisions related to supplementary payments and additional allowances for eligible persons, ensuring they receive at least $25 per month in addition to other benefits, with this amount also subject to annual increases starting in 2007. The changes are intended to provide more financial flexibility for individuals receiving medical assistance under the New Jersey Medical Assistance and Health Services Act (often referred to as Medicaid in other states), particularly those who do not qualify for Supplemental Security Income (SSI) benefits.