This bill proposes an increase in the fiscal year 2026 annual appropriation to the Department of Children and Families (DCF) by $16.7 million, specifically aimed at raising the NJ FamilyCare monthly reimbursement rate for care management organizations (CMOs). The current reimbursement rate of $1,032 per client will be increased to $1,200 per client, with a provision for an additional $100 increase in each subsequent fiscal year until the rate reaches $1,500 per client.

The bill amends the annual appropriations act for the fiscal year ending June 30, 2026, by adjusting the total Grants-in-Aid appropriation for Social Services Programs from $1,007,435,000 to $1,024,135,000, and specifically increases the allocation for care management organizations from $117,660,000 to $134,360,000. This funding is crucial for CMOs, which are responsible for providing case management services and coordinating care for youth facing complex behavioral health challenges, substance use disorders, and intellectual and developmental disabilities.