New Jersey Assembly Bill A2856

New Jersey 2022-2023 Regular Session

• Introduced: 2/28/22
• Refer: 2/28/22

Caption

Establishes "Comprehensive Geriatric Fall Prevention Pilot Program" in DHS; appropriates $11.7 million.

Impact

The legislation is poised to fundamentally alter how elderly care services are delivered in New Jersey. By funding the pilot program with an appropriation of $11.7 million, the state seeks to implement preventive strategies that could lead to a decrease in fall-related injuries, therefore alleviating the financial burden on the Medicaid system. The bill not only targets direct services to elderly individuals but also encourages broader community involvement from caregivers, healthcare professionals, and organizations focused on elder welfare. The expectation is that successful implementation will lead to improved health outcomes and reduced health system expenditures in the long run.

Summary

Assembly Bill A2856 introduces a three-year 'Comprehensive Geriatric Fall Prevention Pilot Program' under the Department of Human Services (DHS) in New Jersey. The primary aim of the bill is to decrease the occurrence of falls among elderly Medicaid recipients, particularly those aged 60 and over, who are highly susceptible to fall-related injuries. The program will target at least 6,000 individuals for intensive fall prevention services and will also include a control group of the same size to effectively measure the outcomes of these services. This initiative is modeled after successful fall prevention programs implemented in other states that have demonstrated significant reductions in falls and associated healthcare costs.

Contention

Despite the bill's focus on enhancing elder safety and reducing healthcare costs, there may be points of contention, particularly concerning funding and resource allocation within the DHS. As with most initiatives that require state funding, discussions around the effectiveness and efficiency of spending taxpayer money might arise. Furthermore, the bill’s reliance on data from prior successful state models raises questions about the adaptability of these strategies to New Jersey's specific demographic and healthcare landscape, which may differ significantly from those states.