BILL ANALYSIS

H.B. 288

By: Thompson, Senfronia

Human Services

Committee Report (Unamended)

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE

Concerns have been raised that the minimum monthly personal needs allowance for residents of certain long-term care facilities who receive Medicaid does not adequately account for the increase in the cost of living and goods since the allowance was last increased. H.B. 288 seeks to account for the increased cost of living by providing for an increase in the minimum personal needs allowance for those residents.

CRIMINAL JUSTICE IMPACT

It is the committee's opinion that this bill does not expressly create a criminal offense, increase the punishment for an existing criminal offense or category of offenses, or change the eligibility of a person for community supervision, parole, or mandatory supervision.

RULEMAKING AUTHORITY

It is the committee's opinion that this bill does not expressly grant any additional rulemaking authority to a state officer, department, agency, or institution.

ANALYSIS

H.B. 288 amends the Human Resources Code to increase from $60 to $75 the minimum monthly personal needs allowance, as set by the executive commissioner of the Health and Human Services Commission, for a resident of a convalescent or nursing facility or related licensed institution, assisted living facility, ICF-IID facility, or other similar long-term care facility who receives Medicaid.     

EFFECTIVE DATE

September 1, 2019.