The bill revises the procedures for processing incomplete Medicaid applications and introduces a significant change regarding asset transfers during the look-back period for determining eligibility for long-term care services. It allows individuals to transfer up to $500 in assets per calendar month during the 60-month look-back period without incurring a period of ineligibility for Medicaid coverage. This change aims to provide more flexibility for applicants and reduce barriers to accessing necessary long-term care, while also aligning New Jersey's statute with federal law by clarifying the treatment of de minimis gifts.

Additionally, the bill mandates that county welfare agencies notify applicants if their Medicaid application is deemed incomplete, specifying the missing information and allowing applicants to provide it at any time. The agency is required to review the application once all identified information is received. The Commissioner of Human Services is tasked with applying for necessary state plan amendments to implement these provisions and secure federal financial participation, as well as adopting rules and regulations to effectuate the bill's purposes. Overall, the revisions aim to improve access to medical assistance for vulnerable populations while ensuring compliance with federal regulations.

Statutes affected:
Introduced: 30:4D-3