New Jersey 2024-2025 Regular Session

New Jersey Assembly Bill A3527

Introduced
2/5/24  

Caption

Establishes annual cost of living adjustment, based on Consumer Price Index, to base Medicaid per diem rates for assisted living programs; makes appropriation.

Impact

The implementation of A3527 is anticipated to positively influence the financial health of assisted living facilities across New Jersey. By mandating annual increases based on the Consumer Price Index, providers will have greater assurance of stable funding, which is essential given the increasing costs of providing healthcare services. The bill directly impacts state Medicaid spending and may necessitate state plan amendments or waivers to secure federal participation in these expenditures.

Summary

Assembly Bill A3527 establishes an annual cost of living adjustment (COLA) to the base per diem reimbursement rates paid to assisted living facilities and similar programs for Medicaid beneficiaries. This adjustment will be based on the Consumer Price Index data published each January by the United States Department of Labor, reflecting any increases over the previous 12-month period. As such, the bill aims to ensure that the financial support provided to these facilities keeps pace with inflation and the rising cost of living, which is particularly critical for the sustainability of care for vulnerable populations.

Contention

While A3527 is widely supported for its intent to support assisted living programs, potential points of contention could arise concerning its fiscal implications. Critics may argue that the appropriations needed to fund these increases might strain state budgets or divert resources from other essential services. Furthermore, debates may center around the accuracy and reliability of the Consumer Price Index as a measure for determining appropriate funding levels, as well as discussions on how these reimbursements will affect overall care quality and access for Medicaid beneficiaries.

Companion Bills

NJ S2129

Same As Establishes annual cost of living adjustment, based on Consumer Price Index, to base Medicaid per diem rates for assisted living programs; makes appropriation.

NJ S3742

Carry Over Establishes annual cost of living adjustment, based on Consumer Price Index, to base Medicaid per diem rates for assisted living programs; makes appropriation.

Similar Bills

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NJ S2416

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NJ S761

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NJ A4049

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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.

HI SCR119

Requesting The Department Of Health And Department Of Human Services To: Jointly Review Any Research Applied Behavior Analysis For Adults; Develop And Adopt Rules, Policies, And Plan Amendments Necessary To Ensure That The State Medicaid Program Covers Medically Necessary Services, Including Applied Behavior Analysis Services, For Individuals Aged Twenty-one And Older With Neurodevelopmental Disorders, Including Autism Spectrum Disorder; And Apply For Any Necessary Approvals From The Federal Centers For Medicare And Medicaid Services To Amend The State Medicaid Plan To Provide Reimbursements For Medically Necessary Services, Including Applied Behavior Analysis Services, To Medicaid-eligible Persons Over The Age Of Twenty-one Diagnosed With Autism Spectrum Disorder.

LA HB480

Provides relative to Medicaid fraud detection and prevention (RE INCREASE GF EX See Note)

LA HB2

Provides for Medicaid eligibility determination functions and Medicaid fraud detection and prevention (Items #14 and 15) (EG INCREASE GF EX See Note)