New Jersey Assembly Bill A2256

New Jersey 2022-2023 Regular Session

• Introduced: 2/7/22
• Refer: 2/7/22
• Report Pass: 6/9/22

Caption

Requires Division of Medical Assistance and Health Services in DHS to accept permanent change of station order for purposes of satisfying residency requirement for provision of home and community based services under certain circumstances.

Impact

The implementation of A2256 is expected to have a significant positive impact on households where military personnel are the primary guardians. Many military families face unique challenges related to mobility and residency status, and this legislation seeks to ensure they can maintain access to essential health services despite frequent relocations. By allowing the change of station order to establish residency, the bill intends to alleviate some of the bureaucratic challenges faced by these families, ensuring continuity of care and support for those in need of such services.

Summary

Assembly Bill A2256 aims to facilitate access to home and community-based services for certain individuals by modifying residency requirements in New Jersey. Specifically, the bill mandates that the Division of Medical Assistance and Health Services within the Department of Human Services accept a permanent change of station order from any branch of the United States military. This order can be issued to the parent or legal guardian of an applicant and thus will satisfy the residency requirements necessary for Medicaid reimbursement of these services. This adjustment is particularly important for military families who may be relocating frequently due to service obligations.

Contention

While the bill has been met with general support from lawmakers advocating for the welfare of military families, there may be some contention surrounding its implications. Critics might raise concerns regarding the potential for increased demand on state resources as more individuals qualify for Medicaid services under this revised residency definition. Additionally, there could be debates on how this legislation aligns with broader Medicaid policies and whether it might unintentionally prioritize military families over other vulnerable populations in need of similar assistance.