Measure was Advanced by the Senate Health Committee

Legislation sponsored by Senator Robert Singer ensuring dependents of military personnel relocated to a duty station in New Jersey qualify for home- and community-based services under the Division of Medical Assistance and Health Services was approved by the Senate health committee.

Legislation sponsored by Sen. Robert Singer ensuring dependents of military personnel relocated to a duty station in NJ qualify for home- and community-based services was approved by the Senate health committee. (SenateNJ.com)

“There shouldn’t be any question that when the military dispatches a family to an assignment in our state, a dependent requiring assistance will get the help they need and qualify for Medicaid reimbursement,” said Singer (R-30). “When they move in, they meet resident requirements and should be treated like New Jerseyans.”

Singer’s bill, 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 men and women of our military make great sacrifices to serve the nation, and when they are stationed here, 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.