Increases hourly limit of reimbursable personal care assistant services under NJ WorkAbility Program.
The bill is expected to significantly impact state laws regarding disability support services. The NJ WorkAbility Program, established in accordance with the federal 'Ticket to Work and Work Incentives Improvement Act of 1999', allows individuals with disabilities to maintain Medicaid coverage while earning an income. As such, A3087 is positioned to facilitate greater access to personal care assistance for those who meet specific eligibility criteria, including age and income limits. By raising the hourly cap on reimbursement, the bill aligns state regulations with the needs of working individuals with disabilities, potentially improving their quality of life and employment sustainability.
Assembly Bill A3087 proposes to increase the hourly limit of reimbursable personal care assistant services under the NJ WorkAbility Program from the current limit of 40 hours to 112 hours per calendar workweek. This program supports employed individuals with disabilities, allowing them access to essential personal care services while they maintain their employment. By increasing the reimbursement limit, the bill aims to enhance the support provided to these individuals, making it more feasible for them to work while managing their personal care needs.
While the bill is aimed at improving support for working individuals with disabilities, there could be points of contention among stakeholders regarding the funding and implementation of these increased services. Questions may arise concerning the state’s budgetary capacity to support such an expansion within the Medicaid program, as well as the management and oversight of the personal care services to ensure quality and accountability. Thus, discussions around A3087 may focus on balancing fiscal responsibility with the imperative to enhance the quality of life for individuals with disabilities.