New Jersey 2024-2025 Regular Session

New Jersey Assembly Bill A3564

Introduced
2/8/24  

Caption

Establishes program for certain individuals to become certified homemaker-home health aides and provide services to certain Medicaid and Medicaid-Medicare dually eligible enrollees under increased reimbursement rates.

Impact

A3564 has the potential to significantly affect state laws regarding home health care and the remuneration of caregivers. By formalizing the certification process for family members, it seeks to address the growing need for home care services among the aging population. The bill mandates that family caregivers will not be required to bear the costs of their certification, thereby removing a financial barrier that might otherwise deter their participation in care provision. The increased reimbursement rate set at no less than $30 per hour for CHHA services reflects the intended recognition of the value of caregiver work.

Summary

Assembly Bill A3564 aims to establish a program allowing family members of individuals eligible for Medicare, Medicaid, or NJ FamilyCare to become certified as homemaker-home health aides (CHHA). This initiative is intended to enhance support for home care services, particularly for individuals aged 65 and older, by enabling family members or approved third-party individuals to provide care under the supervision of registered professional nurses. The program is designed to create a pathway for relatives to deliver essential care while being compensated under the state's reimbursement system.

Contention

Discussions around A3564 may evoke both support and criticism. Supporters argue that the bill is a long-overdue response to the increasing demand for home-based health care, facilitating care for older adults while empowering families. Critics, however, could voice concerns regarding the quality of care provided by non-professionals and the implications of hiring family members as paid caregivers. Ensuring the effectiveness of training and supervision under this new framework will be vital to address these concerns and maintain the high standards of care expected in the health services sector.

Companion Bills

NJ S1811

Same As Establishes program for certain individuals to become certified homemaker-home health aides and provide services to certain Medicaid and Medicaid-Medicare dually eligible enrollees under increased reimbursement rates.

NJ A4002

Carry Over Establishes program for certain individuals to become certified homemaker-home health aides and provide services to certain Medicaid and Medicaid-Medicare dually eligible enrollees under increased reimbursement rates.

Previously Filed As

NJ A4342

Establishes program for certain individuals to become certified homemaker-home health aides and provide services to certain Medicaid and Medicaid-Medicare dually eligible enrollees under increased reimbursement rates.

NJ S3905

Establishes program for certain individuals to become certified homemaker-home health aides and provide services to certain Medicaid and Medicaid-Medicare dually eligible enrollees under increased reimbursement rates.

NJ A4265

Requires Medicaid reimbursement rates for certain primary and mental health care services match reimbursement rates under Medicare.

NJ A2451

Requires Medicaid and NJ FamilyCare to provide medically tailored nutrition services for certain enrollees.

NJ A2207

The "Certified Medication Aide in Nursing Homes Staffing Support Act;" authorizes certified medication aides to administer medications to nursing home residents.

NJ S3802

Requires Medicaid reimbursement rates for certain primary and mental health care services match reimbursement rates under Medicare.

NJ A3344

"Mental Health Access Act;" increases Medicaid reimbursement rates for certain evidence-based behavioral health services.

NJ S3751

Requires suspension of certification of homemaker-home health aides under certain circumstances.

NJ S590

Permits home health care services agencies to employ certified nurse aides as homemaker-home health aides.

NJ S2858

The "Certified Medication Aide in Nursing Homes Staffing Support Act;" authorizes certified medication aides to administer medications to nursing home residents.

Similar Bills

MS HB1565

Medicaid; seek federal waiver to provide for presumptive eligibility for persons who need mental health or substance use disorder services.

MS HB132

Medicaid; expand eligibility under federal Affordable Care Act.

MS HB427

Medicaid; expand eligibility under federal Affordable Care Act.

MS HB706

Medicaid; expand eligibility under federal Affordable Care Act.

MS HB1105

Medicaid; expand eligibility under federal Affordable Care Act.

MS HB409

Medicaid; expand eligibility under federal Affordable Care Act.

MS HB509

Medicaid; expand eligibility under federal Affordable Care Act.

MS HB123

Medicaid; expand eligibility under federal Affordable Care Act.