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.
Relating to improving the delivery and quality of certain health and human services, including the delivery and quality of Medicaid acute care services and long-term services and supports.
Relating to improving the delivery and quality of certain health and human services, including the delivery and quality of Medicaid acute care services and long-term services and supports.
Relating to the administration and operation of Medicaid, including Medicaid managed care and the delivery of Medicaid acute care services and long-term services and supports to certain persons.
Relating to improving the delivery and quality of certain health and human services, including the delivery and quality of Medicaid acute care services and long-term care services and supports.
Relating to the system redesign for delivery of Medicaid acute care services and long term services and supports to persons with an intellectual or developmental disability and a pilot for certain populations with similar functional needs receiving services in managed care.