HARTFORD, Conn. (AP) A bill that would allow the spouse of someone living in a nursing home to keep more of the couple's assets is moving through the General Assembly.

Under the state's current Medicaid rules, the spouse who remains in the community can keep half of the couple's combined assets or the federal minimum of $23,844, whichever is greater.

A bill up for a vote in the Human Services Committee on Tuesday would amend the Medicaid state plan and require the spouse of someone in an institution, such as a nursing home, to receive the maximum amount of assets allowed under federal law. That's $119,220, as of this year.

AARP is backing the legislation, saying it supports an individual's choice to live independently by allowing the healthy spouse to keep sufficient resources.