House Bill No. 6775 aims to enhance the personal needs allowance (PNA) for Medicaid recipients residing in long-term care facilities. The bill mandates that starting July 1, 2025, the Department of Social Services commissioner will increase the PNA, currently set at $75 per month, by an amount equal to 25% of the annual cost-of-living adjustment (COLA) in the federal Supplemental Security Income Program, if applicable. This adjustment will be made annually, ensuring that the PNA keeps pace with inflation and the rising costs of living. The bill defines long-term care facilities to include nursing homes, chronic disease hospitals, intermediate care facilities for individuals with intellectual disabilities, and state humane institutions.

Additionally, the bill repeals and replaces existing legal language in sections 17b-106 and 17b-272 of the general statutes to incorporate these changes. The new provisions will ensure that the state supplement payment is deposited into the personal fund accounts of residents, allowing them to use these funds for incidental expenses. The fiscal impact of this bill is estimated to cost the Department of Social Services between $500,000 to $800,000 in FY 26 and $1 million to $1.6 million in FY 27, reflecting the ongoing adjustments to the PNA based on historical COLA trends.

Statutes affected:
Raised Bill:
AGE Joint Favorable:
File No. 25: