Healthcare (Long-Term Care)

HB 5300 increases the monthly personal needs allowance for Medicaid and Supplemental Security Income (SSI) recipients living in long-term care facilities to $75, effective July 1, 2026. It requires annual adjustments to this allowance each July 1, increasing it by 25% of the federal SSI cost-of-living adjustment (COLA) each year. The bill directly affects residents in licensed nursing homes, chronic disease hospitals, and similar facilities who receive Medicaid or SSI benefits. Funds will be paid to the facilities to deposit into residents’ personal accounts, ensuring the allowance keeps pace with inflation.

SB 289 establishes a state-funded quality metrics program for nursing homes, directly affecting facilities serving Medicaid beneficiaries. It creates two funding pools: a $10 million annual pool for performance-based payments tied to quality metrics (using CMS measures and consumer surveys), and a $2.5-$5 million pool for facilities with over 75% Medicaid residents. Nursing homes must report quality metrics annually, with payments determined by performance scores - excluding facilities flagged for serious quality issues. The program begins October 1, 2026, with payments phased in over time using existing Medicaid appropriations.

HB 5026 would allow taxpayers to deduct premiums paid for long-term care insurance from their personal income tax. This directly affects individuals who purchase long-term care insurance policies, reducing their taxable income by the amount paid for these premiums. The bill adds this deduction to the state's tax code, meaning eligible taxpayers would subtract their qualifying insurance costs when calculating their income tax liability. It does not change eligibility for long-term care insurance itself, only provides a tax benefit for those who already have coverage. The policy creates a concrete tax reduction for a specific type of insurance expense.

SB 123 requires assisted living facilities to hold public informational hearings when increasing resident fees by more than 10% of the previous fee. Facilities must provide at least 30 days' notice before the hearing and allow residents, families, and the public to comment. This applies to all fee increases exceeding 10% (effective October 1, 2026), while exempting adjustments tied to immediate care changes or safety needs. The bill also mandates 60-day advance disclosure of all fee increases and provides residents with three years of fee history upon request. It directly affects assisted living agencies and their residents by adding transparency to significant cost changes.