NJ
New Jersey Assembly Bill A657

New Jersey 2022-2023 Regular Session

New Jersey Assembly Bill A657

Introduced
1/11/22  
Refer
1/11/22  

Caption

Requires DOC to ensure inmates have opportunity to participate in Medicaid pre-enrollment and enrollment sessions at least 60 days prior to release; requires applicable inmates to receive Medicaid card at release.

Impact

The implementation of A657 is expected to significantly enhance the healthcare access for inmates as they re-enter society, aiming to reduce barriers that often prevent individuals from obtaining necessary medical coverage after incarceration. By ensuring that inmates engage with Medicaid processes before their release, the bill seeks to mitigate the disruption in healthcare that can occur due to sudden transitions. This effort aligns with recommendations from the New Jersey Reentry Services Commission, which highlighted the need for improving reentry services for incarcerated individuals.

Summary

Assembly Bill A657 aims to ensure that inmates in New Jersey's state prisons and county correctional facilities have access to Medicaid pre-enrollment and enrollment sessions prior to their release. The bill mandates that these sessions occur at least 60 days before release to provide inmates with essential information regarding the benefits of Medicaid, the application process, and the available managed care plans. This provision is part of a broader initiative to improve health outcomes for formerly incarcerated individuals and facilitate their transition back into the community.

Contention

Despite the overall supportive stance on the bill, notable concerns arise regarding the practical aspects of enforcement, such as the adequacy of resources for conducting pre-enrollment sessions and the capacity of county welfare agencies to handle an influx of applications. Some stakeholders may argue that such measures, while well-intentioned, could face challenges if not adequately supported by funding and training for personnel. Additionally, the bill does not change the existing federal rules regarding Medicaid coverage for incarcerated individuals, which has raised questions about the overall effectiveness of these changes without sufficient follow-up mechanisms beyond release.

Companion Bills

No companion bills found.

Previously Filed As

NJ A2828

Requires DOC to ensure inmates have opportunity to participate in Medicaid pre-enrollment and enrollment sessions at least 60 days prior to release; requires applicable inmates to receive Medicaid card at release.

NJ A1243

Requires inmate to participate in Medicaid enrollment session 60 days prior to release.

NJ S2235

Requires inmate to participate in Medicaid enrollment session 60 days prior to release.

NJ A2057

Requires inmate to participate in Medicaid enrollment session 60 days prior to release.

NJ S2471

Requires inmate to participate in Medicaid enrollment session 60 days prior to release.

NJ A1994

Requires DOC to provide reunification therapy to inmates and immediate family members prior to inmate's release.

NJ A4191

Requires DOC to provide reunification therapy to inmates and immediate family members prior to inmate's release.

NJ SB2448

Special Care Facility for Paroled Inmates; authorize parole for medically frail inmates, licensure and Medicaid reimbursement.

NJ A1395

Requires female inmates be provided with family planning services prior to release from correctional facility.

NJ H7205

Requires that Medicaid enrollment be maintained or provided to all inmates in the first 30 days of incarceration at the adult correctional institutions within the department of corrections and the last 30 days of incarceration.

Similar Bills

NJ S3495

Provides for presumptive eligibility for home and community-based services and services provided through program of all-inclusive care for the elderly under Medicaid.

NJ A4049

Provides for presumptive eligibility for home and community-based services and services provided through program of all-inclusive care for the elderly under Medicaid.

NJ S1961

Provides for presumptive eligibility for home and community-based services and services provided through program of all-inclusive care for the elderly under Medicaid.

NJ A2828

Requires DOC to ensure inmates have opportunity to participate in Medicaid pre-enrollment and enrollment sessions at least 60 days prior to release; requires applicable inmates to receive Medicaid card at release.

NJ S1198

Requires establishment of processes to identify Medicaid eligible incarcerated individuals who are awaiting pre-trial release determinations, are being released following period of incarceration, or are undergoing inpatient hospital treatment.

NJ S761

Requires Medicaid fee-for-service coverage of managed long term services and supports when beneficiary is pending enrollment in managed care organization.

NJ A5126

Requires Medicaid coverage of social day care services for senior citizens.

NJ S1826

Requires Medicaid coverage of social day care services for senior citizens.