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Bill > S2573


NJ S2573

NJ S2573
Increases hourly limit of reimbursable personal care assistant services under NJ WorkAbility Program.


summary

Introduced
01/13/2026
In Committee
01/13/2026
Crossed Over
Passed
Dead

Introduced Session

2026-2027 Regular Session

Bill Summary

This bill increases the hourly limit of reimbursable personal care assistant services under the NJ WorkAbility Program from 40 hours per calendar workweek to 112 hours per calendar workweek. The NJ WorkAbility Program provides full State Medicaid health coverage to individuals with disabilities who are working and whose earnings would otherwise make them ineligible for Medicaid. The regulations (N.J.A.C.10:72-9 et seq.) governing the Program provide that all services available through the NJ WorkAbility Program must be provided through existing Medicaid contracts held by the Division of Medical Assistance and Health Services (DMAHS) in the Department of Human Services. Currently, the reimbursement of personal care assistant services under such contracts is limited to 40 hours per calendar work week. Individuals must meet the following guidelines in order to be eligible for the NJ WorkAbility Program: 1) be between the ages of 16 and 64; 2) work part time, full time, or be self-employed and have proof of employment; 3) have a permanent disability as determined by the United States Social Security Administration or the Disability Review Team in DMAHS; and 4) have an earned income below 250 percent, and an unearned income below 100 percent, of the federal poverty level. An individual participating in the program must pay a $25 monthly premium in order to receive full Medicaid coverage.

AI Summary

This bill increases the hourly limit for personal care assistant (PCA) services that can be reimbursed under the New Jersey WorkAbility Program from 40 hours per week to 112 hours per week. The NJ WorkAbility Program, established to help individuals with disabilities who are working maintain their health coverage, provides full State Medicaid coverage to eligible individuals whose earnings might otherwise disqualify them. PCA services are a key component of this program, and currently, reimbursement is capped at 40 hours weekly. This change aims to provide more support for individuals with disabilities who are employed and require personal care assistance to continue working. The Commissioner of Human Services is directed to seek any necessary federal approvals and adopt regulations to implement this increase.

Committee Categories

Health and Social Services

Sponsors (1)

Last Action

Introduced in the Senate, Referred to Senate Health, Human Services and Senior Citizens Committee (on 01/13/2026)

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