PNA
Got COLA? Get PNA Raised!
Connecticut nursing home residents are advocating for a Personal Needs Allowance (PNA) that keeps pace with the rising cost of living.
Although HB 5300 did not pass this legislative session, the issue remains urgent. Everyday essentials such as toiletries, clothing, snacks, haircuts, and other personal items continue to cost more, while the current PNA remains at $75 per month.
What Is the Personal Needs Allowance?
The Personal Needs Allowance, or PNA, is the portion of income that Medicaid recipients living in nursing homes may keep each month for personal expenses that are not covered by Medicaid.
Residents use this money for items that support comfort, independence, and dignity, including clothing, hygiene products, shoes, haircuts, small gifts, and other everyday needs.
Why Residents Are Advocating for Change
The current $75 monthly allowance does not stretch as far as it once did. As the cost of living increases, residents are being asked to cover the same personal needs with an amount that buys less each year.
Residents are advocating for the PNA to be tied to Cost of Living Adjustments (COLA), so that when income increases because of inflation, the allowance increases as well.
Why This Issue Still Matters
Even though HB 5300 did not pass this session, advocacy efforts are continuing. Resident voices are essential to showing lawmakers how the current allowance affects daily life and why a permanent COLA-based increase is needed.
Share Your Experience
Residents across Connecticut are encouraged to share how the current PNA affects their ability to afford personal items and services.
- How does the current $75 PNA affect your daily life?
- What personal items or services have become harder to afford?
- How would a PNA increase tied to COLA improve your well-being and independence?
Take Action
Complete the resident survey to share your experience and support this advocacy effort.
You may also send comments or questions by email to LTCOP@ct.gov.
If you need help completing the survey or would prefer to share your feedback in another way, please contact your Regional Long-Term Care Ombudsman or email LTCOP@ct.gov.
Return to the Advocacy Action Hub or complete the survey.