The bill amends New Jersey Medicaid law to significantly increase the income and resource threshold limits for various eligibility groups, particularly targeting 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, translating to an annual increase 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. The bill introduces new resource limits, increasing eligibility thresholds for individuals and couples to $40,000 and $60,000, respectively, a substantial rise from the current limits.

Moreover, the bill removes outdated language and provisions related to previous income standards and resource limits, streamlining the eligibility determination process by clarifying the roles of county welfare agencies and the Division of Medical Assistance and Health Services. It mandates the Commissioner of Human Services to apply for necessary state plan amendments or waivers to implement these changes and secure federal funding for state Medicaid expenditures. The overall aim of the bill is to enhance access to Medicaid services for low-income individuals and families in New Jersey by updating and increasing eligibility thresholds, thereby improving financial support for vulnerable populations.

Statutes affected:
Introduced: 30:4D-3