RALEIGH — A temporary fix for North Carolina group home residents and patients in special dementia units to help them remain where they now live is close to receiving final General Assembly passage.

The N.C. Senate unanimously agreed Thursday to legislation that makes clear $40 million set aside last summer to supplement Medicaid payments to adult care home residents can also help people living in group homes and special care units.

New rules reduced or eliminated what Medicaid covered for help with things such as bathing or meals. Then-Gov. Beverly Perdue's administration said a 2012 law only covered adult care homes, which are larger than group homes.

The bill now returns to the House, where final approval is expected before it goes to Gov. Pat McCrory for his signature.