After the Governor and the Assembly leader resolved their Fourth of July Weekend Budget Kerfuffle, some positivity came out of it for Medicaid long-term care providers and beneficiaries.
Nursing home reimbursements would be increased by $10.5 million, shifting funds from Managed Long-Term Services and Supports (MLTSS). This would be $5.25 million of state funds with an identical federal match. The funds would be distributed by a per diem adjustment based on the increase. Assisted living per diems would also see a moderate increase from $73.13 for assisted living facilities, $63.13 for comprehensive personal care homes and $53.13 for assisted living programs, to $75, $65 and $55 respectively.
The legislature’s budget would also increase the minimum monthly personal needs allowance (PNA) to $50, effective July 1st, 2017. It had been $35 for a very long time. The PNA is the amount a resident can keep from his or her income to use for monthly personal needs. This applies to persons residing in nursing homes, state or county psychiatric hospitals, and State Developmental Centers who are eligible for Medicaid or SSI benefits. We are awaiting a MedComm (Medicaid policy memorandum issued by the NJ Division of Medical Assistance and Health Services) to provide guidance on implementation of this increase.
Trying to pay for nursing home care? Call us to find out the real options with Medicaid eligibility … 732-382-6070