SRC-JBJ H.B. 143 76(R) BILL ANALYSIS Senate Research Center H.B. 143 76R611 KLA-DBy: Thompson (West) Health Services 5/13/1999 Engrossed DIGEST Currently, Medicaid residents in nursing homes have an allowance of $30 a month for all personal needs. The amount has not been increased since 1983. H.B. 143 would set the personal needs allowance for Medicaid residents in nursing homes at $60 per month. PURPOSE As proposed, H.B. 143 sets the personal needs allowance for Medicaid residents in nursing homes at $60 per month. RULEMAKING AUTHORITY This bill does not grant any additional rulemaking authority to a state officer, institution, or agency. SECTION BY SECTION ANALYSIS SECTION 1. Amends Section 32.024, Human Resources Code, by adding Subsection (v), to require the Health and Human Services Commission (HHSC) to set a personal needs allowance of not less than $60 a month for a person who receives medical assistance and resides in a licensed convalescent home or other similar long-term care facility. Authorizes the HHSC to send the allowance directly to a resident who receives Supplemental Security Income. Provides that this subsection does not apply to a resident participating in a medical assistance waiver program administered by HHSC. SECTION 2. Effective date: September 1, 1999. Makes the application of this Act prospective. SECTION 3. Emergency clause.