NC H752

Increases the personal needs allowance (PNA) for State-County Special Assistance recipients in assisted living facilities from $46.00 to $70.00 per month, effective October 1, 2019.

PNA has remained unchanged since 2003, resulting in residents having one-third less buying power than 16 years prior.

Residents use the PNA to purchase personal items such as clothing and medication co-payments.

Appropriates $2,250,000 in recurring General Fund dollars for fiscal year 2019-2020 and $3,000,000 in recurring funds for fiscal year 2020-2021 to offset the increased costs.

Bill becomes effective July 1, 2019.