New Jersey 2024-2025 Regular Session

New Jersey Senate Bill S3803

Introduced
10/21/24  

Caption

Establishes pilot program providing NJ FamilyCare eligibility for children with special needs who would otherwise be ineligible due to parental income and assets, and requires DHS commissioner to conduct study.

Impact

If implemented, the pilot program would assess how many children with special needs become eligible for NJ FamilyCare benefits, thereby impacting the state's social services framework. The Department of Human Services is mandated to conduct annual reviews of each child's eligibility based on their health needs. The results of these reviews will determine the continuity of benefits and highlight the necessity for a systemic approach to address the healthcare needs of children with disabilities in New Jersey.

Summary

Senate Bill S3803 establishes a three-year pilot program in New Jersey that provides NJ FamilyCare eligibility specifically for children with special needs who would otherwise be ineligible due to their parents' income and assets. The bill defines a 'child with special needs' as someone under the age of 21 who is blind or disabled as per federal definitions. By potentially allowing these children to receive critical healthcare benefits, the bill aims to alleviate some of the financial burdens that middle-income families may face in securing healthcare for their children.

Contention

While the intention behind S3803 is to expand healthcare access for vulnerable populations, notable points of contention may arise around the financial implications of implementing such a program. Funding for NJ FamilyCare and the pilot program’s sustainability could become contentious subjects during legislative discussions. Additionally, there may be differing opinions on how the termination of benefits would be managed if a child no longer meets eligibility criteria due to redetermination processes, raising concerns about the fair treatment of families relying on these benefits.

Companion Bills

NJ A5011

Same As Establishes pilot program providing NJ FamilyCare eligibility for children with special needs who would otherwise be ineligible due to parental income and assets, and requires DHS commissioner to conduct study.

Previously Filed As

NJ S838

Establishes pilot program providing NJ FamilyCare eligibility for children with special needs who would otherwise be ineligible due to parental income and assets, and requires DHS commissioner to conduct study.

NJ A1631

Establishes pilot program providing NJ FamilyCare eligibility for children with special needs who would otherwise be ineligible due to parental income and assets, and requires DHS commissioner to conduct study.

NJ A3103

Requires DHS to establish a pilot program covering menstrual hygiene products under Medicaid and NJ FamilyCare.

NJ S3811

Requires DHS to promote and support volunteerism in connection to compliance with certain eligibility requirements for NJ FamilyCare and SNAP recipients.

NJ A3883

Requires DHS to promote and support volunteerism in connection to compliance with certain eligibility requirements for NJ FamilyCare and SNAP recipients.

NJ A2253

Codifies and requires Legislative authorization for reductions in minimum NJ FamilyCare eligibility levels and benefits.

NJ S2989

Requires automatic enrollment of certain persons recently ineligible for Medicaid in health benefits plan; requires DHS to electronically publish certain data regarding NJ FamilyCare eligibility renewals and call center performance.

NJ A2070

Expands availability of NJ FamilyCare Advantage program.

NJ A3983

Excludes certain income earned from health promotion or disease prevention work from income eligibility determination under NJ FamilyCare, WFNJ, and NJ SNAP.

NJ A4564

Establishes minimum Medicaid and NJ FamilyCare pediatric special care nursing facility reimbursement rates.

Similar Bills

NJ A2249

Establishes NJ FamilyCare Stabilization Fund.

NJ S2478

Requires DHS to create English and Spanish-language Internet websites to promote enrollment in affordable health care plans.

NJ A3624

Requires DHS to create English and Spanish-language Internet websites to promote enrollment in affordable health care plans.

NJ A2070

Expands availability of NJ FamilyCare Advantage program.

NJ S3011

"Healthy Smiles Act"; increases NJ FamilyCare fee-for-service reimbursement rates for pediatric dental services; requires NJ FamilyCare managed care rates for identical services be no less than fee-for-service rates.

NJ A2229

"Healthy Smiles Act"; increases NJ FamilyCare fee-for-service reimbursement rates for pediatric dental services; requires NJ FamilyCare managed care rates for identical services be no less than fee-for-service rates.

NJ S838

Establishes pilot program providing NJ FamilyCare eligibility for children with special needs who would otherwise be ineligible due to parental income and assets, and requires DHS commissioner to conduct study.

NJ A1631

Establishes pilot program providing NJ FamilyCare eligibility for children with special needs who would otherwise be ineligible due to parental income and assets, and requires DHS commissioner to conduct study.