NJ
New Jersey Senate Bill S2129

New Jersey 2024-2025 Regular Session

New Jersey Senate Bill S2129

Introduced
1/9/24  

Caption

Establishes annual cost of living adjustment, based on Consumer Price Index, to base Medicaid per diem rates for assisted living programs; makes appropriation.

Impact

If enacted, S2129 would significantly influence the financial structure of Medicaid funding for assisted living services in New Jersey. By requiring the Division of Medical Assistance and Health Services to adjust per diem rates based on inflation, the bill seeks to alleviate some of the financial pressures that facilities may face due to rising operational costs. Currently, the per diem rates are set at $89.50 for assisted living facilities, $79.50 for comprehensive personal care homes, and $69.50 for assisted living programs. The bill exemplifies a proactive approach to ensuring that the financial resources available for these crucial services keep pace with economic changes.

Summary

Senate Bill S2129, introduced in New Jersey's 221st Legislature, aims to establish an annual cost of living adjustment (COLA) for the base per diem rates paid to assisted living facilities and programs under the Medicaid system. This legislation intends to ensure that the reimbursement rates for assisted living facilities, comprehensive personal care homes, and similar programs adequately reflect the rising costs associated with providing care, as determined by the Consumer Price Index (CPI). The adjustments are set to take effect starting July 1 of the year following the bill's passage and will continue annually thereafter.

Contention

While the bill has potential benefits in terms of supporting assisted living facilities, it may also lead to discussions regarding budgetary constraints and allocations within the state’s Medicaid program. Opponents may argue about the appropriateness of increased appropriations from the General Fund to support these adjustments, especially in a budget-sensitive environment. There may be debates surrounding what this means for other state-funded programs and how currently available resources could be stretched to accommodate these increased expenses.

Latest S2129 Activity

Companion Bills

NJ A3527

Same As Establishes annual cost of living adjustment, based on Consumer Price Index, to base Medicaid per diem rates for assisted living programs; makes appropriation.

NJ S3742

Carry Over Establishes annual cost of living adjustment, based on Consumer Price Index, to base Medicaid per diem rates for assisted living programs; makes appropriation.

Previously Filed As

NJ S3742

Establishes annual cost of living adjustment, based on Consumer Price Index, to base Medicaid per diem rates for assisted living programs; makes appropriation.

NJ A3527

Establishes annual cost of living adjustment, based on Consumer Price Index, to base Medicaid per diem rates for assisted living programs; makes appropriation.

NJ S318

Establishes annual cost of living adjustment based on Consumer Price Index for certain children, youth, and family services organizations.

NJ S136

Establishes annual cost of living adjustment based on Consumer Price Index for certain children, youth, and family services organizations.

NJ A1456

Establishes annual cost of living adjustment based on Consumer Price Index for certain children, youth and family services organizations.

NJ A2231

Establishes annual cost of living adjustment based on Consumer Price Index for certain children, youth and family services organizations.

NJ S2668

Establishes annual cost of living adjustment based on Consumer Price Index for programs providing mental health, substance use treatment, or services to persons with developmental disabilities.

NJ A1143

Establishes annual cost of living adjustment based on Consumer Price Index for programs providing mental health, substance use treatment, or services to persons with developmental disabilities.

NJ A508

Establishes annual cost of living adjustment based on Consumer Price Index for programs providing mental health, substance use treatment, or services to persons with developmental disabilities.

NJ S405

Codifies and increases under certain circumstances, current minimum Medicaid per diem reimbursement rates for assisted living residences, comprehensive personal care homes, and assisted living programs; makes appropriation.

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