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.

House Bill

H.R. 7778

119th Congress

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.

In Committee

Introduced:Mar 3, 2026

Primary Sponsor

Suhas Subramanyam

D - VA

Cosponsors

0

Quick Stats

Summary

This bill would increase the monthly personal spending money that Medicaid provides to people living in nursing homes and other long-term care facilities. Currently, institutionalized individuals receive a minimal allowance (often around $30-60/month depending on the state) for personal items like toiletries, clothing, and small comforts—this legislation aims to raise that minimum amount to better reflect current costs of living.

Latest Action

Referred to the House Committee on Energy and Commerce.

Introduced3/3/2026

StatusReferred to the House Committee on Energy and Commerce.

ChamberHouse

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Vote Prediction

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.

This bill would increase the monthly personal spending money that Medicaid provides to people living in nursing homes and other long-term care facilities. Currently, institutionalized individuals receive a minimal allowance (often around $30-60/month depending

Community Breakdown

Pass

0%

Fail

0%

0 predictions

This bill would increase the monthly personal spending money that Medicaid provides to people living in nursing homes and other long-term care facilities. Currently, institutionalized individuals receive a minimal allowance (often around $30-60/month depending on the state) for personal items like toiletries, clothing, and small comforts—this legislation aims to raise that minimum amount to better reflect current costs of living.

Bill Number: 7778
Introduced: 3/3/2026
Status: Referred to the House Committee on Energy and Commerce.

Data from Congress.gov

AI-generated summary

Fact Sheet

Title: 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.
Bill Number: 7778
Sponsor: No sponsor
Status: Referred to the House Committee on Energy and Commerce.
Introduced: 3/3/2026
Summary: This bill would increase the monthly personal spending money that Medicaid provides to people living in nursing homes and other long-term care facilities. Currently, institutionalized individuals receive a minimal allowance (often around $30-60/month depending on the state) for personal items like t

Data from Congress.gov

AI Summary

Plain-English explanation of this bill

This bill would increase the monthly personal spending money that Medicaid provides to people living in nursing homes and other long-term care facilities. Currently, institutionalized individuals receive a minimal allowance (often around $30-60/month depending on the state) for personal items like toiletries, clothing, and small comforts—this legislation aims to raise that minimum amount to better reflect current costs of living.

Last updated: 3/4/2026

Key Points

Main provisions of the bill

Raises the minimum monthly personal needs allowance for elderly and disabled Americans living in Medicaid-funded nursing homes and institutions
The current federal minimum of $30/month hasn't kept pace with inflation, making it difficult for residents to afford basic personal items like shampoo, shoes, or birthday cards
Would apply to both individuals and couples living in institutional care settings
Aims to improve dignity and quality of life for some of America's most vulnerable citizens who have limited financial resources

How This Impacts Americans

Potential effects on citizens and communities

This bill would directly benefit approximately 1.4 million Americans living in Medicaid-funded nursing homes and long-term care facilities, many of whom are elderly or have disabilities. By increasing their monthly allowance for personal expenses, residents would have greater ability to purchase toiletries, clothing, phone cards to call family, and other items that contribute to their dignity and wellbeing. The change would particularly help low-income seniors who have spent down their assets to qualify for Medicaid coverage of their care.

Policy Areas

No policy areas assigned yet.

Scope & Jurisdiction

Jurisdiction Level

federal

Congressional Session

119th Congress

Citation Reference

7778, 119th Congress (2026). "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.". Source: Voter's Right Platform. https://votersright.org/bills/119-hr-7778

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