The bill amends Section 6 of P.L.1968, c.413 (C.30:4D-6) to establish parity in Medicaid reimbursement rates for inpatient hospice room and board services. It mandates that the reimbursement rate for these services, when provided by licensed hospice care programs, must be no less than the rate for similar services offered by nursing homes to residents receiving hospice care. This change aims to ensure adequate compensation for hospice services, promoting equitable access to care for patients in need of hospice support. The new reimbursement rate will specifically apply to days when patients are on the routine level of hospice care and will not cover hospice medical services provided in a patient's home or inpatient care already covered under existing hospice medical benefits.

Furthermore, the bill requires the Commissioner of Human Services to apply for any necessary state plan amendments or waivers to implement its provisions and secure federal financial participation for state Medicaid expenditures. The act is set to take effect immediately upon passage, reflecting a targeted approach to enhance the financial sustainability of hospice programs while ensuring compliance with federal regulations regarding Medicaid reimbursement.

Statutes affected:
Introduced: 30:4D-6