The bill amends Section 3 of P.L.1968, c.413 (C.30:4D-3) to increase the income and resource threshold limits for certain Medicaid eligibility groups in New Jersey. It raises the income standard for medically needy individuals to 138 percent of the poverty level and adjusts resource standards to $40,000 for one-person households and $60,000 for two-person households, with an additional $20,000 for each additional person in larger households. The bill also modifies definitions and eligibility criteria for Medicaid applicants, ensuring that individuals who meet these new thresholds can access medical assistance.

Additionally, the bill removes outdated provisions and clarifies eligibility requirements for various groups, including children, pregnant women, and individuals with disabilities. It specifies that income limits for certain categories, such as children and parents, will be set at 133 percent of the poverty level, while other categories will have limits adjusted to 138 percent or 185 percent of the poverty level, depending on specific circumstances. The bill proposes significant changes to the eligibility criteria for the Aged, Blind, and Disabled (ABD) groups, as well as the Medically Needy and Managed Long-Term Services and Supports (MLTSS) programs, raising the income eligibility threshold for the ABD group from 100% to 138% of the federal poverty level and adjusting resource eligibility limits significantly. The Commissioner of Human Services is tasked with applying for necessary state plan amendments or waivers to implement these changes and secure federal funding, ultimately aiming to enhance access to Medicaid long-term care benefits for low-income individuals.

Statutes affected:
Introduced: 30:4D-3