This bill proposes to increase the cap on personal care assistant (PCA) services for Medicaid beneficiaries who are clinically eligible for nursing facility level of care from the current limit of 40 hours to 91 hours per week. The Department of Human Services is mandated to approve these services as medically necessary and to modify the existing assessment tool for PCA services accordingly. The bill defines PCA services as health-related tasks that assist beneficiaries with activities of daily living, which are performed by qualified individuals under the supervision of a registered professional nurse and in accordance with a written plan of care.

The rationale behind this increase is to alleviate the pressure on seniors who may otherwise be forced to leave their homes for long-term care facilities due to insufficient PCA hours. The sponsor argues that the current limit does not adequately support beneficiaries who rely on family and friends for additional care, especially in New Jersey's high cost of living environment. By allowing up to 91 hours of PCA services, the bill aims to enhance the ability of vulnerable Medicaid beneficiaries to remain in their communities and maintain their independence for longer periods.