By Bob Katzen

Would raise the Personal Needs Allowance (PNA) for nursing home residents from the current $72.80 monthly to $100 monthly. It also would give the residents an annual cost of living increase. The PNA pays for expenses not covered by Medicaid for nursing home residents.

Supporters say that the money, half of which is reimbursed with federal dollars, helps residents pay for clothing, shoes, phone calls, medicine, transportation, haircuts and other personal needs which help them maintain their dignity and well-being. They noted the $72.80 monthly allowance has not been raised in 20 years.

“Increasing the allowance to $100 would modernize the policy and allow residents of long-term care facilities increased independence with this simple solution,” said sponsor Rep. Sean Garballey (D-Arlington).