New Jersey 2022-2023 Regular Session

New Jersey Assembly Bill A5009

Introduced
1/10/23  

Caption

Requires DHS to disregard certain federal pension benefits for veterans in making Medicaid eligibility determinations.

Impact

The financial implications of this bill are significant as it will allow veterans receiving Aid and Attendance benefits to qualify for Medicaid without their benefits counting against income or resource limits set by the state. This move is aimed at alleviating the financial burden on aging veterans and their families who require more comprehensive care due to illness or disabilities. By ensuring that these benefits do not interfere with their Medicaid eligibility, the bill seeks to protect veterans' access to essential health services that are often required in later life.

Summary

Assembly Bill A5009 proposes an important change in Medicaid eligibility determinations for veterans. It specifically requires the New Jersey Department of Human Services (DHS) to disregard the United States Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) Aid and Attendance pension benefits when assessing eligibility for Medicaid for veterans aged 65 or older. This change is designed to prevent the Aid and Attendance benefits, which are provided to elderly veterans who require in-home or nursing home care, from disqualifying them from receiving Medicaid benefits that they may also need.

Contention

While the intention behind A5009 is to support veterans, some may argue that the financial implications could strain state resources, especially if more veterans apply for Medicaid as a result of this change. Additionally, there may be concerns raised regarding potential impacts on federal funding for Medicaid, as the state must ensure compliance with federal regulations in order to secure continued financial support. Furthermore, discussions may arise about the balance between providing necessary assistance to veterans and maintaining fiscal responsibility within the state's budget.

Companion Bills

NJ S3294

Same As Requires DHS to disregard certain federal pension benefits for veterans in making Medicaid eligibility determinations.

Previously Filed As

NJ A3172

Requires DHS to disregard certain federal pension benefits for veterans in making Medicaid eligibility determinations.

NJ S3294

Requires DHS to disregard certain federal pension benefits for veterans in making Medicaid eligibility determinations.

NJ A4612

Increases resource threshold limit for certain Medicaid eligibility groups.

NJ A5472

Increases income threshold limit for certain Medicaid eligibility groups.

NJ A3575

Provides comprehensive Medicaid benefits to certain individuals formerly in foster care.

NJ A3289

Provides comprehensive Medicaid benefits to certain individuals formerly in foster care.

NJ S3641

Increases income and resource threshold limit for certain Medicaid eligibility groups.

NJ S1788

Provides comprehensive Medicaid benefits to certain individuals formerly in foster care.

NJ A4622

Increases resource threshold for certain Medicaid eligibility groups.

NJ S3482

Increases resource threshold for certain Medicaid eligibility groups.

Similar Bills

NJ S3294

Requires DHS to disregard certain federal pension benefits for veterans in making Medicaid eligibility determinations.

NJ A3172

Requires DHS to disregard certain federal pension benefits for veterans in making Medicaid eligibility determinations.

NJ S1035

Amends law to extend length of postpartum coverage for Medicaid services for eligible pregnant women to 180-day period.

NJ S1946

Amends law to extend length of postpartum coverage for Medicaid services for eligible pregnant women to 180-day period.

NJ S2719

Phases out resource standard for non-Modified Adjusted Gross Income Medicaid eligibility groups.

NJ A5321

Codifies Medicaid coverage for eligible pregnant women for 365-day period beginning on last day of pregnancy.

NJ S3934

Codifies Medicaid coverage for eligible pregnant women for 365-day period beginning on last day of pregnancy.

NJ S3641

Increases income and resource threshold limit for certain Medicaid eligibility groups.