This bill amends the personal needs allowance under Iowa's medical assistance program, increasing the monthly allowance from $50 to $65 for residents of nursing facilities, intermediate care facilities for individuals with intellectual disabilities or mental illness, and psychiatric medical institutions for children. Additionally, it stipulates that residents with an income of less than $65 per month will receive a state supplement to ensure they can retain this increased allowance.

Furthermore, the bill introduces a provision that mandates the Iowa Department of Health and Human Services to annually adjust the personal needs allowance starting July 1, 2026, based on the percentage increase in the consumer price index for all urban consumers, as published by the U.S. Department of Labor. This adjustment aims to keep the allowance in line with inflation and ensure that it continues to meet the personal expenses of individuals covered under the medical assistance program.

Statutes affected:
Introduced: 249A.30A