Increase in personal needs allowance improves seniors’ quality of life

OLYMPIA – For those receiving state-financed care, a few extra dollars can make a world of difference in their quality of life.

That’s why the Senate today unanimously approved a measure to increase the personal needs allowance (PNA) for seniors and persons with disabilities who receive publicly financed care in facilities operated or contracted by the Department of Social and Health Services (DSHS).

“These are our seniors, our parents and grandparents,” said Sen. Jean Berkey, D-Everett. “A small cost of living adjustment seems reasonable and appropriate.”

Currently, clients are required to contribute a portion of their income toward the cost of care. For clients receiving Medicaid services, their income is generally made up of Social Security payments or Supplemental Security Income. DSHS, with a combination of state and federal funds, pays the remainder, less these client contributions. To avoid leaving DSHS clients with no funds, a PNA is set aside to use for things such as clothing, beauty/barber services, phone bills and postage.

There are two categories of PNAs, depending on the type of care setting in which a client resides: medical/institutional or community settings (contracted adult family homes, assisted living/boarding homes, adult residential care and group homes). The medical/institutional PNA is required by both federal and state law, and is currently $53.68 per month. The PNA for community settings is currently $58.84 per month, and has not been increased since 1988.

Senate Bill 5517, sponsored by Berkey, provides a cost of living adjustment in the PNA for Medicaid clients in both medical/institutional and community settings tied to increases in federal Social Security benefits.

SB 5517, which would take effect July 1, 2007, now goes to the House of Representatives for further consideration.

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