To amend title XIX of the Social Security Act to increase under the Medicaid program the minimum monthly personal needs allowance for institutionalized individuals and couples.

# Summary of HR 7778 **What the Bill Would Do** HR 7778 would increase the minimum monthly personal needs allowance for people living in institutions (such as nursing homes or long-term care facilities) who receive Medicaid benefits. The personal needs allowance is a small amount of money that institutionalized individuals and couples are allowed to keep for personal expenses like toiletries, clothing, and entertainment. Currently, this allowance is set at a fixed federal minimum that hasn't been updated in decades, and this bill would raise that amount. **Who It Affects** This bill primarily affects elderly people and individuals with disabilities living in nursing homes or other long-term care institutions who rely on Medicaid to pay for their care.

It could also indirectly affect family members and caregivers of these individuals. **Current Status** The bill was introduced by Representative Suhas Subramanyam (D-VA) and is currently in committee, meaning it hasn't yet been debated or voted on by the full House of Representatives. No specific details about the exact increase amount are included in this summary.