Connecticut Senate Bill SB00395

Connecticut 2012 Regular Session

• Introduced: 3/8/12
• Refer: 3/8/12

Caption

An Act Increasing The Personal Needs Allowance For Certain Long-term Care Facility Residents.

Impact

The implementation of SB00395 is expected to have a positive impact on the quality of life for individuals who depend on Medicaid and SSI while living in long-term care facilities. By increasing the personal needs allowance, the bill allows recipients to have a slightly better cushion for essential personal needs, which may include items such as clothing, toiletries, and other personal care necessities that contribute to their dignity and social well-being.

Summary

SB00395 is a legislative proposal aimed at increasing the personal needs allowance for residents of long-term care facilities under the state supplement to the federal Supplemental Security Income (SSI) Program. Specifically, the bill seeks to boost the allowance to $69 per month, effective July 1, 2012, and mandates that subsequent increases reflect the annual inflation adjustment in Social Security income. This adjustment is intended to improve the financial situation of those residing in long-term care facilities, ensuring that they have access to adequate personal expenses amidst rising costs of living.

Contention

Despite its benevolent intent, SB00395 may face scrutiny regarding the financial implications of increasing the personal needs allowance. Critics could argue that such increases necessitate additional state funding, which might raise questions about budgeting and resource allocation within the broader social services framework. Moreover, there may be discussions about whether $69 is indeed sufficient, or if further adjustments would be necessary to truly meet the needs of this vulnerable population. Balancing fiscal responsibility while addressing the needs of residents in long-term care facilities is likely to be a central theme in discussions surrounding this bill.