Wednesday March 1, 2006                                                      For More Information:

                                                                                                Rep. Reichert, 515-281-3221

House Increases Personal Allowance for seniors in nursing homes

Des Moines, Iowa - The House unanimously approved a bill today to increase the personal needs allowance for seniors in a nursing home on Medicaid to $50 per month.

“Increasing the personal needs allowance for seniors is long over due.  The increase will give them more independence and flexibility in their daily activities and lifestyle,” said State Representative Nathan Reichert of Muscatine.

House Bill HF 2319 increased the personal needs allowance from $30 (current level) to $50.  All personal income, except for the personal needs allowance, goes to the nursing home to pay home costs.  The personal needs allowance is kept for haircuts, laundry, and any other personal services not included in nursing home care.

Democrats have worked to increase the allowance for many years and it has been a top priority of the Older Iowans Legislature as well. It is estimated to cost the state $1.4 million per year.