Connecticut House Bill HB05760

Connecticut 2013 Regular Session

• Introduced: 1/24/13
• Refer: 1/24/13
• Report Pass: 2/14/13

Caption

An Act Increasing The Personal Needs Allowance.

Impact

The passage of HB 5760 would have a direct impact on the financial support available to individuals with limited income who are receiving care in long-term facilities. By increasing the personal needs allowance, the legislation aims to enhance the quality of life for these vulnerable groups by providing them with more disposable income to cover personal expenditures, which is a crucial support for those who often rely on state aid for their living expenses.

Summary

House Bill 5760 aims to increase the personal needs allowance for recipients of Medicaid and the federal Supplemental Security Income (SSI) Program who reside in long-term care facilities. The bill proposes adjusting the monthly allowance from its previous amount to seventy-two dollars and seventy-five cents. This change would apply to individuals living in a variety of licensed care services, including nursing homes and chronic disease hospitals, allowing them to have a slightly greater personal financial allowance for their needs.

Contention

While the bill is generally viewed positively, potential contention may arise regarding the adequacy of the proposed increase. Some advocates for the elderly and disabled may argue that the adjustment is insufficient compared to the rising costs of living and health care. Additionally, there may be discussions about the funding and sustainability of such increases, particularly in light of budget constraints faced by government agencies responsible for public health and welfare programs.