The bill amends section 50-24.1-02.6 of the North Dakota Century Code to enhance the personal needs allowance for eligible beneficiaries receiving medical assistance. A new provision mandates that the department will provide a personal monthly needs allowance, which will be reviewed and adjusted annually based on inflation. Additionally, the bill specifies an increase of fifteen dollars to the personal monthly needs allowance for individuals covered under this section for the biennium from July 1, 2025, to June 30, 2027.

To support this increase, the bill appropriates funds from the general fund and other sources. Specifically, it allocates $762,894 from the general fund and $689,466 from federal and special funds to the Department of Health and Human Services for the purpose of implementing the personal monthly needs allowance increase during the specified biennium. This legislative change aims to improve the financial support for medically needy individuals, ensuring they have adequate resources for their personal needs.

Statutes affected:
INTRODUCED: 50-24.5-02
Prepared by the Legislative Council staff for Representative McLeod: 50-24.1-02.6
FIRST ENGROSSMENT: 50-24.1-02.6
Adopted by the Senate Human Services Committee: 50-24.1-02.6
Prepared by the Legislative Council staff for Senator Cleary: 50-24.1-02.6
Adopted by the Conference Committee: 50-24.1-02.6
Enrollment: 50-24.1-02.6