Legislation Ensures Families Qualify for Access to Health Services

Senator Robert Singer’s bill that would ensure dependents of military personnel assigned to duty stations in New Jersey qualify for home- and community-based services under the Division of Medical Assistance and Health Services cleared the Senate today.

Sen. Robert Singer’s bill that would ensure dependents of military personnel assigned to duty stations in New Jersey qualify for home- and community-based services under the Division of Medical Assistance and Health Services cleared the Senate. (SenateNJ.com)

“When the military relocates a family to an assignment in our state, a dependent requiring assistance should get the help they need and qualify for Medicaid reimbursement. There should be no question about it,” said Singer (R-30). “This legislation ensures that when they move in, they meet resident requirements and should be treated like New Jerseyans.”

The legislation, S-875, codifies existing provisions in the New Jersey Administrative Code which provides that for individuals applying for home- and community-based services whose guardian is in the U.S. States military, residency may be established when the guardian can produce a permanent change of station order to New Jersey.

“The courageous men and women of our military make great sacrifices to serve the nation, and when they re-assigned, they don’t have a choice,” said Singer. “With their dedication and commitment, they more than earn the commonsense accommodations provided by this bill.”

Access to home- and community-based services makes it possible for eligible individuals to receive assistance in their own homes rather than institutional settings.