Bill > S4044

Introduced Session

This bill directs the Division of Medical Assistance and Health Services in the Department of Human Services, no later than six months after the effective date of the bill, to apply to the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services in the United States Department of Health and Human Services for approval to amend the State's federal waiver under section 1115 of the "Social Security Act" to include the provision of rental assistance benefits to certain NJ FamilyCare beneficiaries for up to six months. In New Jersey, this federal waiver is known as the NJ FamilyCare 1115 Comprehensive Demonstration and, with federal approval, it governs the operations of significant components of New Jersey's Medicaid program and Children's Health Insurance Program. New Jersey's current waiver provides certain housing related services to a variety of populations, but does not provide for direct payment of rental subsidies. Populations eligible for the existing benefits include individuals who are: transitioning from an institution to the community setting, being released from correctional facilities, transitioning out of high-risk or unstable housing situations, and homeless or at risk of becoming homeless; however, the waiver does not cover direct housing subsidies. This bill would expand the services provided under the waiver to include rental assistance benefits, which the bill defines as financial assistance issued to a housing provider that allow an eligible NJ FamilyCare beneficiary to secure or maintain housing for up to six months. However, unlike the existing benefits, eligible beneficiaries would be limited to those who are homeless, at risk of homelessness, or transitioning out of an emergency shelter; and who have been diagnosed with a serious mental illness or substance use disorder.

AI Summary

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Angela Mcknight (D)*, 

Introduced in the Senate, Referred to Senate Health, Human Services and Senior Citizens Committee (on 01/14/2025)

Official Document