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MN

Bill

HB 3319

Modifies provisions relating to the personal needs allowance for MO HealthNet participants receiving care in an institution

2026 Regular Session Introduced by Mark Nolte and 1 co-sponsor

HB 3319 adjusts personal spending allowances for institutionalized Missouri Medicaid recipients, affecting how much money they retain for personal needs.

Referred: Emerging Issues(H)
#medicaid/mohealthnet #nursinghomesandlong-termcarefacilities
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Bill Summary · HB 3319

Legislative bill overview

HB 3319 modifies the personal needs allowance (PNA) for Missouri HealthNet (Medicaid) participants who receive care in institutions such as nursing homes, assisted living facilities, or intermediate care facilities. The bill adjusts how much money institutionalized beneficiaries can retain for personal expenses while their healthcare costs are covered by the state program.

Why is this important

The personal needs allowance directly affects the quality of life for some of Missouri's most vulnerable residents—elderly and disabled individuals in institutional care. These funds typically cover necessities like toiletries, clothing, phone calls, and other personal items. Changes to this allowance impact both beneficiaries' dignity and financial security, while also affecting state Medicaid spending and institutional reimbursement rates.

Potential points of contention

  • Adequacy of allowance amount: Whether any modified amount is sufficient for actual personal expenses, particularly as inflation affects costs for basic items
  • Equity concerns: How changes might disproportionately impact low-income elderly and disabled residents who have limited other resources
  • Institutional finances: Whether modifications to PNA requirements affect nursing home and facility operations, staffing, or care quality

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

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