New Jersey 2024-2025 Regular Session

New Jersey Senate Bill S1979

Introduced
1/9/24  

Caption

Excludes certain income earned from health promotion or disease prevention work from income eligibility determination under NJ FamilyCare, WFNJ, and NJ SNAP.

Impact

The most significant impact of S1979 is on income determination processes for the aforementioned programs, as it allows those earning a modest income through outreach work to still qualify for support. This move is likely to empower community organizations by fostering more engagement in public health efforts, as those involved may be less constrained by income-related eligibility barriers. It could lead to a more vibrant community outreach workforce, which is essential for addressing public health challenges.

Summary

Senate Bill S1979 seeks to enhance access to health-related assistance programs by excluding the first $5,000 earned annually from income eligibility calculations for community outreach workers engaged in health promotion or disease prevention activities. This measure applies to several assistance programs in New Jersey, including the NJ FamilyCare program, the Work First New Jersey Program (WFNJ), and the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP). By doing so, the bill aims to encourage more individuals to participate in community health initiatives without the fear of jeopardizing their financial support from these essential programs.

Contention

While S1979 has the potential to expand access to health resources, some may contend that the exclusion of income could incentivize an increase in the number of community outreach workers without adequate oversight regarding the effectiveness of such programs. There may also be concerns about how this new income exclusion interacts with existing regulations, particularly regarding federal funding eligibility and the state's fiscal responsibility in managing these programs. Additionally, discussions may arise in legislative circles about the proper balance between promoting community engagement and ensuring rigorous eligibility standards for state assistance.

Companion Bills

NJ A1842

Same As Excludes certain income earned from health promotion or disease prevention work from income eligibility determination under NJ FamilyCare, WFNJ, and NJ SNAP.

NJ A2798

Carry Over Excludes certain income earned from health promotion or disease prevention work from income eligibility determination under NJ FamilyCare, WFNJ, and NJ SNAP.

NJ S4203

Carry Over Excludes certain income earned from health promotion or disease prevention work from income eligibility determination under NJ FamilyCare, WFNJ, and NJ SNAP.

Previously Filed As

NJ S4203

Excludes certain income earned from health promotion or disease prevention work from income eligibility determination under NJ FamilyCare, WFNJ, and NJ SNAP.

NJ A1842

Excludes certain income earned from health promotion or disease prevention work from income eligibility determination under NJ FamilyCare, WFNJ, and NJ SNAP.

NJ A2798

Excludes certain income earned from health promotion or disease prevention work from income eligibility determination under NJ FamilyCare, WFNJ, and NJ SNAP.

NJ A1567

Requires initial Medicaid and NJ FamilyCare eligibility determinations to be made not later than 21 days following application submission; provides that NJ FamilyCare coverage is terminated whenever required premium is not paid for three consecutive months.

NJ A2113

Requires initial Medicaid and NJ FamilyCare eligibility determinations to be made not later than 21 days following application submission; provides that NJ FamilyCare coverage is terminated whenever required premium is not paid for three consecutive months.

NJ A169

Expands availability of NJ FamilyCare Advantage program.

NJ A1782

Expands availability of NJ FamilyCare Advantage program.

NJ S1840

Makes technical corrections to individual health coverage and small employer health benefits programs and to NJ FamilyCare.

NJ A4810

Requires NJ FamilyCare reimbursement for comprehensive medication management services provided for certain children by licensed pharmacist.

NJ S3913

Establishes minimum NJ FamilyCare reimbursement rate for certain out-of-state hospitals that provide services to NJ FamilyCare pediatric beneficiaries.

Similar Bills

NJ S4203

Excludes certain income earned from health promotion or disease prevention work from income eligibility determination under NJ FamilyCare, WFNJ, and NJ SNAP.

NJ A1842

Excludes certain income earned from health promotion or disease prevention work from income eligibility determination under NJ FamilyCare, WFNJ, and NJ SNAP.

NJ A2798

Excludes certain income earned from health promotion or disease prevention work from income eligibility determination under NJ FamilyCare, WFNJ, and NJ SNAP.

NJ S1840

Makes technical corrections to individual health coverage and small employer health benefits programs and to NJ FamilyCare.

NJ A1782

Expands availability of NJ FamilyCare Advantage program.

NJ A169

Expands availability of NJ FamilyCare Advantage program.

NJ A674

Establishes New Jersey Easy Enrollment Health Insurance Program.

NJ A5409

Establishes Fruit and Vegetable Incentives Program in DHS; appropriates $3 million.