The bill H. 3948 aims to amend the South Carolina Code of Laws by adding Section 44-7-95, which increases the personal needs allowance (PNA) for nursing home residents. The PNA is defined as a monthly amount deducted from a Medicaid-eligible person's gross income to determine their contribution towards the cost of care in nursing facilities. Starting January 1, 2025, the state PNA will be adjusted annually based on the cost of living adjustments for Social Security benefits, ensuring it does not exceed the maximum allowable under federal law. The bill stipulates that the PNA must be at least one hundred dollars and is in addition to the allowance provided by the Social Security Act.

Furthermore, the bill includes provisions that protect the PNA from being counted as an asset for individuals residing in nursing homes as of June 1, 2024, and mandates that nursing homes cannot charge residents for items covered by Medicaid using their PNA. The bill also specifies that the PNA can be used for personal expenses not covered by Medicaid, such as clothing and personal care items. To support these changes, the General Assembly is required to appropriate sufficient recurring funds each fiscal year to cover the increased PNA. The act will take effect upon the Governor's approval.

Statutes affected:
02/11/2025: 44-7-95
Latest Version: 44-7-95