This bill proposes to amend the Code of West Virginia by adding a new section, 9-5-34, which focuses on increasing the Medicaid personal needs allowance for nursing home residents. The legislation includes findings that emphasize the importance of providing dignity to elderly citizens by allowing them to retain more funds for personal necessities such as clothing and dental supplies.

Specifically, the bill defines the personal needs allowance as the monthly income that a Medicaid-funded nursing home resident can keep for personal items and services, and it sets the new allowance at $150 per month, effective July 1, 2026. This increase aims to enhance the quality of life for seniors by ensuring they have adequate resources for their personal needs.

Statutes affected:
Introduced Version: 9-5-34
Committee Substitute: 9-5-34