Medicaid PNA Modernization Act

This legislation aims to significantly increase the minimum monthly personal needs allowance for individuals and couples residing in institutions and receiving Medicaid benefits. The current allowance of $30 for individuals would be raised to $60 , and for couples, it would increase from $60 to $120 , with both changes taking effect on January 1, 2026. Beyond this initial increase, the bill introduces a crucial mechanism for future adjustments. Beginning after November 2026, these updated personal needs allowances will be automatically increased whenever Social Security benefits are adjusted for cost-of-living. This ensures that the allowance keeps pace with inflation, providing institutionalized individuals with more adequate funds for their personal expenses.