Bills · HR 5685
IN COMMITTEE· 119TH CONGRESS
House BillHR 5685Health
PNA Modernization Act
INTRO OCT 3· LAST ACTION OCT 3
READING
1MIN
COSPONSORS
3
READER REACTIONS0 TOTAL
NO VOTES YET · BE THE FIRST
- Introduced only
LEGISLATIVE PROGRESS
STEP 2 / 8Introduced
In Committee
Reported
Passed House
Passed Senate
Conference
To President
Became Law
WHAT THE BILL DOES
AI-writtenVoters should care about this bill because it addresses a long-standing issue of financial hardship for some of the most vulnerable Americans: those who require institutional care and rely on Medicaid. The current minimum personal needs allowance of $30 has not been updated in many years, meaning its purchasing power has significantly eroded due to inflation. This makes it challenging for residents to afford basic personal hygiene products, postage, small treats, or other comforts.
If this bill becomes law, these individuals would have more dignity and a slightly improved quality of life, with a higher, inflation-adjusted amount to spend on their personal needs. If it doesn't pass, the allowance will remain at its current low level, continuing to diminish in value and potentially increasing the financial burden on families or limiting residents' access to basic necessities and small personal joys.
KEY PROVISIONS
3AI-extractedPROVISION 01
Increases the minimum monthly personal needs allowance for institutionalized individuals from $30 to $60, starting January 1, 2026.
This directly doubles the discretionary funds available to individuals in institutional care, providing more money for essential personal items.
PROVISION 02
Increases the minimum monthly personal needs allowance for institutionalized couples from $60 to $120, starting January 1, 2026.
This similarly doubles the allowance for couples, recognizing their shared needs while in institutional care.
PROVISION 03
Mandates that the personal needs allowance be automatically increased by the same percentage as Social Security benefit cost-of-living adjustments (COLAs) each year.
This provision ensures that the allowance keeps pace with inflation, preventing its value from eroding over time and providing long-term financial stability.
SPONSORSHIP
1 + 3
D· Wisconsin
YRS IN OFFICE
21
BILLS LED
34
COSPONSOR BREAKDOWNBIPARTISAN · 0%
DEM 3 REP 0 IND 0
ACTION TIMELINE
2 EVENTSOCT 3
Introduced in House
OCT 3
Referred to the House Committee on Energy and Commerce.
BILL INFO
TypeHouse Bill
NumberHR 5685
Congress119th
StatusIn Committee
IntroducedOct 3, 2025
Last actionOct 3, 2025
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IN COMMITTEE· 119TH CONGRESS · ENERGY AND COMMERCE COMMITTEE · INTRODUCED OCT 3, 2025
House BillHR 5685Health
PNA Modernization Act
INTRODUCED OCT 3, 2025· LAST ACTION OCT 3, 2025
PASSAGE CHANCES
—%
READING
1 min
COSPONSORS
3
COMPLEXITY
Moderate
