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.
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.
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.
Establishes annual cost of living adjustment, based on Consumer Price Index, to base Medicaid per diem rates for assisted living programs; makes appropriation.
Establishes annual cost of living adjustment, based on Consumer Price Index, to base Medicaid per diem rates for assisted living programs; makes appropriation.
Establishes annual cost of living adjustment based on Consumer Price Index for programs providing mental health, substance use treatment, or services to persons with developmental disabilities.
Establishes annual cost of living adjustment based on Consumer Price Index for programs providing mental health, substance use treatment, or services to persons with developmental disabilities.
Establishes annual cost of living adjustment based on Consumer Price Index for programs providing mental health, substance use treatment, or services to persons with developmental disabilities.
Codifies and increases under certain circumstances, current minimum Medicaid per diem reimbursement rates for assisted living residences, comprehensive personal care homes, and assisted living programs; makes appropriation.
Requires Medicaid reimbursement for covered behavioral health services provided by local education agency to student who is eligible Medicaid beneficiary.
Requires Medicaid reimbursement for covered behavioral health services provided by local education agency to student who is eligible Medicaid beneficiary.
Requires Medicaid fee-for-service coverage of managed long term services and supports when beneficiary is pending enrollment in managed care organization.
Provides for presumptive eligibility for home and community-based services and services provided through program of all-inclusive care for the elderly under Medicaid.
Provides for presumptive eligibility for home and community-based services and services provided through program of all-inclusive care for the elderly under Medicaid.
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.