The bill amends New Jersey Medicaid law to increase income and resource threshold limits for specific eligibility groups, particularly the Aged, Blind, and Disabled (ABD) populations, as well as the Medically Needy and Managed Long-Term Services and Supports (MLTSS) programs. It raises the income eligibility for the ABD group from 100% to 138% of the federal poverty level, increasing the annual income limit from $15,060 to $20,783 by 2024. Additionally, the Medically Needy Income Limit will also be adjusted to 138% of the federal poverty level, raising the monthly threshold from $367 to $1,732. Resource eligibility limits will be significantly increased to $40,000 for individuals and $60,000 for couples, compared to the current limits of $4,000 for ABD and Medically Needy, $2,000 for MLTSS, and $9,090 for Medicare Savings Programs.

The bill also establishes new resource standards for MLTSS and Medicare Savings Programs, aligning them with the Jersey Assistance for Community Caregiver (JACC) program. It clarifies the responsibilities of county welfare agencies in determining eligibility and outlines the reimbursement structure for administrative costs associated with these determinations. The Commissioner of Human Services is tasked with applying for necessary state plan amendments or waivers to implement these changes and secure federal funding. Overall, the bill aims to enhance Medicaid accessibility for vulnerable populations in New Jersey by updating financial thresholds and streamlining eligibility processes.

Statutes affected:
Introduced: 30:4D-3