I. The commissioner of health and human services shall permit each medical assistance recipient approved for nursing home payments to retain from the recipient’s monthly income a certain amount a month for personal needs. Such amount shall be established by the commissioner pursuant to N.H. Rev. Stat. Chapter 541-A and in accordance with federal regulations, but in no event shall the amount be less than $56. If the net monthly income of such a recipient is less than the amount established by the commissioner, the commissioner shall provide sufficient old age assistance, aid to the permanently and totally disabled, or aid to the needy blind to allow the recipient an amount equal to the monthly amount established as allowance for the recipient’s personal needs.
II. Every 5 years, the commissioner shall make the adjustment for cost of living increases in the personal needs allowance to reflect social security increases.