Increases the personal needs allowance of nursing facility residents from seventy-five dollars ($75.00) to one hundred dollars ($100) per month.
Impact
If passed, this legislation will significantly impact the financial well-being of nursing home residents by providing them with additional funds to cover personal expenses such as clothing, toiletries, and other non-medical necessities. This increase in the personal needs allowance is anticipated to improve the overall quality of life for residents, allowing them more autonomy and dignity in managing their personal finances. Additionally, the adjustment may lead to a discussion around the adequacy of support provided to vulnerable populations in care facilities, influencing future policy decisions in similar areas.
Summary
House Bill H5466 aims to amend the existing laws relating to medical assistance by increasing the personal needs allowance for residents of nursing facilities. This allowance is intended for personal expenses and is currently set at seventy-five dollars ($75) per month. The proposed bill seeks to raise this amount to one hundred dollars ($100) per month, thereby enhancing the financial support available to individuals in nursing homes. The bill is designed to address the basic needs of nursing facility residents and ensure that they have adequate resources for personal items and services beyond medical care.
Contention
While the bill generally seeks to provide a beneficial adjustment for nursing facility residents, discussions may arise regarding the funding and sustainability of this increased allowance within the context of state budget allocations for human services. Stakeholders might raise concerns about the potential impacts on state expenditures, particularly if the increase is perceived as setting a precedent for further financial demands on nursing care financing. There may also be debates on whether this increase is sufficient or if more comprehensive reforms are needed in the way nursing facilities are funded and managed.
Increases the amount of exemption from sales tax for clothing including footwear from two hundred fifty dollars ($250) to five hundred dollars ($500). Effective July 1, 2023.
Increases insurance coverage for hearing aids from one thousand five hundred dollars to one thousand seven hundred fifty dollars, per ear, for all people regardless of age.
Increases insurance coverage for hearing aids from one thousand five hundred dollars to two thousand dollars, per ear, every three years for all people regardless of age.
Increases the penalty for violations of the care of dogs statute to a minimum fine of one hundred dollars ($100) and a maximum fine of one thousand dollars ($1,000) per violation.
Increases the penalty for violations of the care of dogs statute to a minimum fine of one hundred dollars ($100) and a maximum fine of one thousand dollars ($1,000) per violation.