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Bill

HF 225

A bill for an act relating to the personal needs allowance under the medical assistance program.

2025-2026 Regular Session Introduced by Mary Madison

Bill HF 225 boosts the personal needs allowance for low-income medical assistance recipients from $50 to $75 monthly, enhancing their financial support and quality of life.

Introduced, referred to Health and Human Services.
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Bill Summary · HF 225

Summary of Bill HF 225

Bill Number: HF 225
Title: A bill for an act relating to the personal needs allowance under the medical assistance program
Status: Introduced, referred to Health and Human Services
Introduced Date: February 06, 2025
Classification: Bill
Subject: Medical assistance, personal needs allowance

Purpose and Intent

The primary purpose of Bill HF 225 is to amend the personal needs allowance provided under the medical assistance program. This bill aims to increase the financial support available to low-income residents who rely on medical assistance, thereby enhancing their ability to meet personal needs.

Key Provisions

  1. Increase in Personal Needs Allowance:

    • The bill proposes to raise the personal needs allowance from $50 to $75 per month for eligible residents.
  2. Supplement for Low-Income Residents:

    • Residents with an income of less than $75 per month will receive a state supplement to ensure they can access the full personal needs allowance of $75.
  3. Annual Adjustments:

    • The bill mandates that the personal needs allowance will be adjusted annually based on the same percentage increase as the federal Supplemental Security Income (SSI) and federal Social Security benefits, specifically in response to recognized cost-of-living adjustments.
  4. Maximum Allowance Cap:

    • The personal needs allowance shall not exceed $200 per month, ensuring that there is a limit to the financial assistance provided.

Impact

  • Who is Affected:

    • This bill primarily affects low-income residents who are recipients of medical assistance and have limited income. By increasing the personal needs allowance, the bill aims to improve their quality of life and financial stability.
  • Potential Benefits:

    • The increase in the allowance and the provision for annual adjustments may help residents better manage their personal expenses, such as hygiene products, clothing, and other essential needs.

Procedural Aspects

  • The bill was introduced on February 06, 2025, and has been referred to the Health and Human Services Committee for further consideration. The timeline for subsequent actions or votes on the bill will depend on the committee's schedule and legislative priorities.

This summary provides an overview of Bill HF 225, highlighting its intent to enhance the personal needs allowance for low-income residents under the medical assistance program. The proposed changes aim to provide better financial support and ensure that assistance keeps pace with inflation.

Compiled from official sources — confirm details with the bill’s official record.

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