This bill proposes to increase the monthly personal needs allowance (PNA) for low-income individuals residing in nursing homes, State and county psychiatric hospitals, and State developmental centers from the current rate of $50 to $140. The PNA is intended for residents to use at their discretion for personal items and activities. Additionally, the bill mandates that starting January 1 of the year following its enactment, the PNA will be adjusted annually based on the cost-of-living increase for Social Security benefits.

The legislation also addresses the treatment of the PNA under Medicaid, indicating that it will be disregarded when calculating the contribution an individual must make towards their care costs. For residents eligible for Supplemental Security Income (SSI), the bill outlines that the State would need to provide a supplemental payment of $110 per month to ensure that their total PNA matches that of Medicaid recipients, which is set at $140. This adjustment aims to enhance the financial support for vulnerable populations in care facilities, ensuring they have adequate resources for personal expenses.

Statutes affected:
Introduced: 30:4D-6, 44:7-87