This bill amends the Statewide Respite Care Program to require a 10 percent increase in the maximum amount of respite care services available to eligible individuals with an implantable cardioverter defibrillator who are enrolled in NJ FamilyCare. Currently, the maximum amount of respite services an eligible person can receive in a calendar year is $6,559.63. With the new provision, individuals with an implantable cardioverter defibrillator will be eligible for up to $7,215.59 annually. The bill also defines "implantable cardioverter defibrillator" as a battery-powered device surgically placed in an individual's chest that monitors heart rhythms and delivers electrical shocks to correct arrhythmias.

The Statewide Respite Care Program aims to provide relief and support to caregivers of functionally impaired individuals, thereby helping to prevent the need for costly institutional placements. By increasing the respite care services for those with specific medical needs, the bill seeks to enhance the support available to caregivers, ultimately improving the quality of care for individuals with significant health challenges.

Statutes affected:
Introduced: 30:4F-8, 30:4F-12