NJ
New Jersey Senate Bill S2235

New Jersey 2024-2025 Regular Session

New Jersey Senate Bill S2235

Introduced
1/9/24  

Caption

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

Impact

The bill is a response to recommendations from the 2019 New Jersey Reentry Services Commission Report, which highlights barriers to successful reintegration for former inmates, including access to healthcare. By facilitating Medicaid enrollment pre-release, S2235 could significantly affect public health outcomes for this population. Inmates who participate will be better prepared to address their healthcare needs, potentially reducing recidivism by providing access to necessary medical services upon release.

Summary

Senate Bill S2235, introduced in the 221st New Jersey Legislature, mandates that inmates in state prisons or county correctional facilities participate in Medicaid enrollment sessions at least 60 days prior to their release. This initiative aims to streamline access to healthcare for former inmates by ensuring they are enrolled in Medicaid before they reintegrate into society. During the enrollment session, trained personnel assist inmates in completing their applications and ensure submission to the appropriate Medicaid eligibility determination agencies.

Contention

While the bill aims to enhance health access for inmates, it may face scrutiny regarding its implementation and resource allocation. Some may argue that the requirement could place additional burdens on correctional facilities and welfare agencies, especially in terms of staffing and training. Furthermore, the opt-out provision ensures that inmates who choose not to participate will still receive informational support on healthcare benefits, which is a crucial aspect of the legislation. However, whether the support will be adequate remains a topic for discussion.

Companion Bills

NJ A2057

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

NJ A1243

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

NJ S2471

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

Previously Filed As

NJ S2471

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

NJ A1243

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 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 A657

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 A4191

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

NJ A1994

Requires DOC to provide reunification therapy to inmates and immediate family members prior to inmate's 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 SB2448

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

NJ SB2389

Special Care Facility for Paroled Inmates; direct Div. of Medicaid to apply to CMS for waivers and bring forward sections related to.

Similar Bills

UT SB0257

Medicaid Accounts Amendments

UT HB0247

Child Health Care Coverage Amendments

AR SB518

To Amend The Medicaid Fraud Act And The Medicaid Fraud False Claims Act; And To Update Language And Definitions To Reflect Changes Within The Healthcare System;.

AR SB515

To Amend The Medicaid Fraud Act And The Medicaid Fraud False Claims Act.

UT HB0463

Medicaid Funding Amendments

NJ A3334

Requires Medicaid reimbursement for covered behavioral health services provided by local education agency to student who is eligible Medicaid beneficiary.

NJ S2416

Requires Medicaid reimbursement for covered behavioral health services provided by local education agency to student who is eligible Medicaid beneficiary.

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.