Bill
Bill > A2544
NJ A2544
NJ A2544Requires Medicaid coverage for motorized wheelchairs for nursing facility residents under certain circumstances.
summary
Introduced
01/13/2026
01/13/2026
In Committee
01/13/2026
01/13/2026
Crossed Over
Passed
Dead
Introduced Session
2026-2027 Regular Session
Bill Summary
This bill provides Medicaid coverage for motorized wheelchairs for nursing facility residents under certain circumstances. The bill requires the Medicaid program and the NJ FamilyCare program to provide coverage for a motorized wheelchair for an enrollee residing in a nursing facility under the following conditions: (1) the enrollee is prescribed the motorized wheelchair by the enrollee's licensed physician or primary healthcare provider; and (2) the enrollee received prior authorization for the motorized wheelchair from the enrollee's managed care organization. Under the bill, the enrollee will be granted a possessory interest for the motorized wheelchair for as long as the enrollee requires use of the equipment. When the enrollee no longer needs such equipment, possession and control will revert to the division. The nursing facility will notify the enrollee's managed care organization in writing when such equipment is no longer in use. The Commissioner of Human Services will apply for such State plan amendments or waivers as may be necessary to implement the provisions of this bill and to secure federal financial participation for State Medicaid expenditures under the federal Medicaid program.
AI Summary
This bill mandates that the Medicaid and NJ FamilyCare programs, which are state programs providing health coverage to low-income individuals and families, will cover motorized wheelchairs for residents of nursing facilities, which are licensed long-term care facilities. This coverage is contingent upon two conditions: the resident's physician or primary healthcare provider must prescribe the wheelchair, and the resident's managed care organization, a type of health insurance provider that manages care for its enrollees, must give prior authorization. For as long as the resident needs the motorized wheelchair, they will have a possessory interest in it, meaning they can use it. Once the resident no longer requires the equipment, possession will return to the Division of Medical Assistance and Health Services, and the nursing facility must inform the managed care organization in writing when the wheelchair is no longer in use. The Commissioner of Human Services will seek necessary approvals and waivers from the federal government to fund these state Medicaid expenditures.
Committee Categories
Health and Social Services
Sponsors (4)
Last Action
Introduced, Referred to Assembly Health Committee (on 01/13/2026)
Official Document
bill text
bill summary
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bill summary
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bill summary
| Document Type | Source Location |
|---|---|
| State Bill Page | https://www.njleg.state.nj.us/bill-search/2026/A2544 |
| BillText | https://pub.njleg.gov/Bills/2026/A3000/2544_I1.HTM |
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