House Bill No. 266 aims to increase the personal needs allowance for individuals and couples residing in healthcare facilities, specifically nursing homes. The bill mandates that the Louisiana Department of Health (LDH) set the monthly personal needs allowance to a minimum of $50 for individuals and $100 for couples, up from the current allowances of $38 and $76, respectively. Additionally, the bill allows LDH to submit a waiver or state plan amendment to the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services to secure federal financial participation for these increased allowances.

The implementation of these increased allowances is contingent upon the availability of specific appropriations of funds. The bill stipulates that any increases will only take effect when an Act of the Louisiana Legislature that appropriates the necessary funds becomes effective. The bill is set to become effective upon the governor's signature or after the expiration of the time for bills to become law without the governor's signature.