PNA (Personal Needs Allowance)
What Is Medicaid’s Personal Needs Allowance (PNA)?
The Personal Needs Allowance is the portion of a Medicaid-funded nursing home resident’s income they can keep each month for personal expenses. Since Medicaid covers room, board, and medical care, most of the resident’s income is applied toward their share of care costs. The PNA is meant for extras not covered by Medicaid, such as haircuts, vitamins, clothing, snacks, or reading materials.
Federal law requires all Medicaid nursing home residents to receive a PNA. Initially set at $25/month in 1974, it was raised to $30/month in 1988, which is still the federal minimum today. States may set a higher amount, up to $200/month. In 2025, state PNA amounts range from $30 to $200.
If a resident has no monthly income, some states provide the PNA directly. In addition, nursing home residents with a spouse at home may be able to transfer part of their income to their spouse as a Monthly Maintenance Needs Allowance to help prevent spousal impoverishment.
What Can the Personal Needs Allowance Be Used For?
Residents may use their PNA for a variety of personal items and services, including:
- Clothing and shoes
- Snacks or special foods
- Haircuts, cosmetics, and toiletries
- Magazines, books, or hobby supplies
- Greeting cards, postage, and stationery
- Cell phone bills
- Small gifts (if permitted by state rules)
Gift rules vary by state. For example, Connecticut allows gifts up to $25 for relatives, while West Virginia permits gifts without a set value or recipient restriction. Always confirm your state’s policy before using PNA funds for gifts.
What Purchases Are Not Allowed?
PNA funds cannot be used for services or items already covered by Medicaid. Federal rules require nursing homes to provide basic hygiene items (toothbrush, soap, shampoo, razors, incontinence supplies, etc.) at no charge. Residents may, however, use their PNA to buy preferred brands or specialty products.
Does the PNA Need to Be Spent Every Month?
No. Residents can carry over unused PNA funds, but any remaining balance counts toward Medicaid’s asset limit (generally $2,000 in 2025). If savings push a resident over the limit, they risk losing Medicaid eligibility, so spending down is often recommended.
Who Oversees the Personal Needs Allowance?
The PNA can be managed by the resident, a legal guardian, or—commonly—the nursing home itself. Nursing homes must obtain permission from the resident or guardian before spending funds and must keep detailed records of all transactions. Guardians must also document every expenditure.
What is the 2025 Medicaid Personal Needs Allowance by State?
| State | Monthly PNA |
|---|---|
| Alabama | $30.00 |
| Alaska | $200.00 |
| Arizona | $145.05 |
| Arkansas | $40.00 |
| California | $35.00 |
| Colorado | $108.73 |
| Connecticut | $75.00 |
| Delaware | $75.00 |
| District of Columbia | $106.00 |
| Florida | $160.00 |
| Georgia | $70.00 |
| Hawaii | $75.00 |
| Idaho | $40.00 |
| Illinois | $60.00 |
| Indiana | $52.00 |
| Iowa | $55.00 |
| Kansas | $62.00 |
| Kentucky | $60.00 |
| Louisiana | $45.00 |
| Maine | $40.00 |
| Maryland | $106.00 |
| Massachusetts | $72.80 |
| Michigan | $60.00 |
| Minnesota | $128.00 |
| Mississippi | $44.00 |
| Missouri | $50.00 |
| Montana | $50.00 |
| Nebraska | $75.00 |
| Nevada | $154.00 |
| New Hampshire | $90.00 |
| New Jersey | $50.00 |
| New Mexico | $97.00 |
| New York | $50.00 |
| North Carolina | $70.00 |
| North Dakota | $115.00 |
| Ohio | $50.00 |
| Oklahoma | $75.00 |
| Oregon | $79.07 |
| Pennsylvania | $60.00 |
| Rhode Island | $75.00 |
| South Carolina | $30.00 |
| South Dakota | $100.00 |
| Tennessee | $70.00 |
| Texas | $75.00 |
| Utah | $45.00 |
| Vermont | $79.93 |
| Virginia | $40.00 |
| Washington | $105.78 |
| West Virginia | $50.00 |
| Wisconsin | $55.00 |
| Wyoming | $50.00 |
When Can the PNA Be Higher Than the State Standard?
Veterans without a spouse or dependent child who receive a reduced VA Aid & Attendance Pension may qualify for a higher PNA—often $90/month—if their state’s standard PNA is lower. In some states, veterans may keep both the reduced pension and the state’s PNA. Additionally, some residents qualify for a Home Maintenance Allowance for up to six months to maintain their home while in care, provided they intend to return and meet eligibility requirements.
How Often Do States Adjust the PNA?
There is no federal schedule for PNA increases. Some states haven’t raised it in decades (e.g., Alabama and South Carolina still have $30/month), while others adjust it periodically or annually. Arizona, for example, sets its PNA at 15% of the Federal Benefit Rate, which rises each year.
