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.