This bill amends the New Jersey Medicaid program to extend coverage for eligible pregnant women to a full 365 days following the last day of their pregnancy. It modifies the definition of a "qualified applicant" to include pregnant women who are presumptively eligible for medical assistance based on criteria set by the commissioner. This change is aimed at ensuring that these women retain their Medicaid benefits during the critical postpartum period, which is vital for both their health and that of their newborns.

Furthermore, the bill adjusts the income and resource standards for determining eligibility in the medically needy program, setting income standards for one and two-person households at 133 1/3 percent of the State's payment level under the aid to families with dependent children program, and updating resource standards to align with the Supplemental Security Income program. It also includes provisions for reimbursing county welfare agencies for administrative costs related to eligibility determinations for pregnant women and dependent children. The legislation aligns with federal changes, particularly the American Rescue Plan Act of 2021, which allows for the extension of postpartum Medicaid coverage, and aims to improve maternal health outcomes while addressing racial disparities in maternal health.

Statutes affected:
Introduced: 30:4D-3