The Medicaid reimbursement rate for assisted living communities, comprehensive personal care homes and assisted living programs in New Jersey would increase under legislation approved by the New Jersey Senate Budget and Appropriations Committee.
“Adult living facilities are crucial to the physical and emotional well-being of New Jersey seniors. Bolstering these services is a win-win for both patients and their families,” said state Sen. Robert Singer (R-30), a primary sponsor. “With increased Medicaid support, these facilities will be in a better position to offer more services and specialized care, including nursing, nutrition, medication management, and both physical and behavioral therapy.”
If it becomes law, the bill (S405) would codify current minimum Medicaid per diem reimbursement and in certain circumstances increase them. It was introduced in the state Senate and referred to the Senate Health, Human Services and Senior Citizens Committee in January 2022.
The approval of Singer’s legislation was met with praise by the Health Care Association of New Jersey, an affiliate of the American Health Care Association/National Center for Assisted Living and Argentum.
“The Health Care Association of New Jersey commends the New Jersey Legislature for advancing this bipartisan legislation, which will provide tiered increases in reimbursement to assisted living facilities, comprehensive personal homes, and assisted living programs based on Medicaid occupancy,” HCANJ President and CEO Andy Aronson told McKnight’s Senior Living. “This will be a welcome incentive that will help to expand access to these facilities for New Jersey residents who would otherwise be unable to afford the cost.”
The legislation’s other primary sponsor is Sen. Gordon Johnson (D-37). It is co-sponsored by Sens. Patrick Diegnan Jr. (D-18), Michael Testa Jr. (R-1), Edward Durr (R-3) and Nilsa Cruz-Perez (D-5).
