This bill establishes the Mom Project oral health program within New Jersey's Department of Health to provide dental care for low-income pregnant women and new mothers. The legislation defines eligible participants as residents earning less than 300% of the federal poverty level who are enrolled in Medicaid or NJ FamilyCare, and it directs services to specific community oral health centers in medically underserved areas. A total of $3,000,000 is appropriated to fund the program, aiming to address the link between maternal periodontal disease and adverse birth outcomes such as preterm labor. The bill also includes findings on the health disparities affecting Black mothers in the state and the barriers that often prevent access to preventive dental care during pregnancy.
This bill directs New Jersey's Department of Human Services to create a single online portal for applying to Medicaid programs that allow individuals to manage their own home and community-based services. The system will include a standardized application form and an automated screening process to determine eligibility and refer applicants to the appropriate waiver programs. Additionally, the bill mandates uniform documentation requirements for participants who wish to hire their own staff to provide care. These changes aim to simplify the enrollment process for people currently in or seeking these specific Medicaid support programs.
This bill creates the New Jersey Community Health Worker Program within the Department of Health to train and certify community health workers who help connect patients with medical care in underserved areas. It establishes a statewide program that will begin in Newark and expand to other municipalities over five years, integrating these workers into Medicaid reimbursement systems. The legislation also forms a nine-member advisory board to oversee training standards and identify community needs, while requiring annual reports to the Legislature on the program's progress.
This bill requires health insurance carriers and Medicaid programs in New Jersey to pay licensed clinical laboratories for services regardless of whether those labs participate in a managed care plan. It mandates that non-participating labs receive reimbursement at the same rate as participating ones, while still allowing insurers to review services for medical necessity. Additionally, the legislation prohibits state Medicaid officials from forcing labs to join managed care networks as a condition for receiving payment or transitioning from fee-for-service to managed care systems.
This New Jersey bill requires the state's Department of Human Services to apply for federal approval to create a special Health Home Program for Medicaid recipients with sickle cell disease who are at risk of developing another chronic condition. Once approved, the state must implement this program within 180 days to coordinate care for these patients, integrating services such as primary care, behavioral health, and long-term support. The legislation defines sickle cell disease as an inherited blood disorder and clarifies that a chronic condition is any persistent health issue lasting at least 12 months. By establishing this program, the bill aims to ensure that eligible individuals receive comprehensive, whole-person care rather than fragmented medical treatment.
This bill expands New Jersey's regulation of health care service firms by requiring employment agencies and other entities that place individuals in personal residences to register as Health Care Service Firms if they provide companion, health care, or personal care services to people with disabilities or those age 60 and older. The law mandates that registered firms obtain accreditation from a recognized body within 12 months and submit annual financial statements to the Division of Consumer Affairs, with larger firms required to undergo external audits every three years or annually if gross income exceeds $10 million. Smaller firms receiving less than $500,000 in Medicaid Personal Care Assistance services must submit annual reports detailing insurance coverages and internal management practices instead of full audits. These provisions apply regardless of whether the firm uses direct employment, online platforms, or other business models to connect service providers with clients.
This bill requires nursing homes in New Jersey to provide detailed financial and ownership information to the Department of Health before a sale or transfer of ownership occurs. The new requirements include submitting a transfer fee, a cover letter identifying the facility, a description of the transaction with full details on current and proposed owners, and copies of sales and management agreements. The Department of Health must post these applications on its website within 30 days while redacting personal and proprietary information, and the public will have an opportunity to comment on each transfer. Additionally, ownership transfer approval depends on the Department reviewing the new owners' disciplinary history and ensuring all outstanding Medicaid claims and penalties are resolved or assumed by the new owners.
This bill establishes a minimum daily reimbursement rate of $950 for pediatric special care nursing facilities that participate in New Jersey's Medicaid and NJ FamilyCare programs. The funding applies specifically to facilities providing specialized long-term care and rehabilitation services to children and youth up to age 21 who require nursing care beyond conventional facilities. To qualify for this rate, facilities must comply with state and federal laws regarding licensure, patient safety, and quality of care. The bill also authorizes the Department of Human Services to implement necessary rules and seek federal approvals to ensure the funding can be used.
This bill requires New Jersey Medicaid to pay primary care and mental health services at rates equal to or higher than Medicare rates, starting July 1, 2026. It directly affects healthcare providers who deliver these services to Medicaid patients, including physicians, nurse practitioners, physician assistants, midwives, and mental health professionals such as psychologists and licensed clinical social workers. The law ensures reimbursement rates do not decrease from the previous year and applies to both fee-for-service and managed care Medicaid programs. Additionally, the state's human services commissioner must submit an annual report on how these rate changes impact access and quality of care for Medicaid beneficiaries.
This bill sets a minimum daily reimbursement rate of $950 for pediatric skilled care nursing facilities that participate in New Jersey's Medicaid and NJ FamilyCare programs. It applies specifically to facilities providing specialized long-term care for children and youth up to age 21 who require nursing services beyond conventional care. The reimbursement floor is conditional on facilities meeting all state and federal requirements for licensure, patient safety, and quality of care. The legislation also includes funding from the General Fund to cover the increased costs and requires the Department of Human Services to submit necessary federal approvals for the program changes.
