House Bill No. 5300 aims to enhance the personal needs allowance (PNA) for Medicaid recipients residing in long-term care facilities. The bill mandates that starting July 1, 2026, the Department of Social Services commissioner must increase the PNA, currently set at $75 per month, by an amount equal to 25% of any annual cost-of-living adjustment (COLA) in the federal Supplemental Security Income (SSI) Program. This adjustment will ensure that the PNA keeps pace with inflation and allows residents to maintain a small amount of income for personal expenses, such as haircuts and hobbies. The bill also specifies that the state supplement payment will be deposited into the personal fund accounts of the residents.

Additionally, the bill repeals and replaces existing legal language in sections 17b-106 and 17b-272 of the general statutes to reflect these changes. The new provisions will ensure that the PNA is adjusted annually in accordance with the SSI COLA, thereby providing ongoing financial support to residents in nursing homes, chronic disease hospitals, and other specified facilities. The fiscal impact of this bill is estimated to cost the Department of Social Services approximately $600,000 in FY 27 and $1.2 million in FY 28 due to the increased PNA.

Statutes affected:
Raised Bill:
AGE Joint Favorable:
File No. 43: