This bill amends the New Jersey Medicaid program to extend coverage for eligible pregnant women for a full 365 days following the last day of their pregnancy. It modifies existing definitions and eligibility criteria, ensuring that once a pregnant woman is recognized as a qualified applicant, she retains that status for the entire year post-pregnancy, irrespective of any changes in her family's income. The legislation also updates income and resource standards for determining medically needy eligibility, aligning them with federal guidelines by removing outdated percentages and replacing them with specific income thresholds.

Furthermore, the bill codifies the Medicaid coverage extension for eligible pregnant women, which has been mandated since FY 2022 and is part of the NJ FamilyCare 1115 Comprehensive Demonstration effective through June 30, 2028. It aligns with federal changes from the American Rescue Plan Act of 2021, allowing states to extend postpartum Medicaid coverage from 60 days to 12 months, a provision made permanent by the Consolidated Appropriations Act 2023. The bill also clarifies that Medicaid services will be available to pregnant individuals whose income does not exceed the highest eligibility level established under the State Medicaid plan, thereby enhancing access to healthcare services and improving maternal health outcomes.

Statutes affected:
Introduced: 30:4D-3