Requires DHS to study ways to increase collaboration among certain Statewide entities to optimize federal and State Medicaid resources; appropriates $250,000.*

This bill requires New Jersey's Department of Human Services (DHS) to create a collaboration framework within 180 days, bringing together state academic institutions, healthcare providers (including Level 1 trauma centers), and Medicaid managed care organizations. The goal is to better use federal and state Medicaid funds to improve healthcare quality across the state. The bill appropriates $250,000 from the General Fund to support this work and mandates DHS to seek necessary federal Medicaid waivers or plan amendments to maintain funding. It directly affects DHS, healthcare providers, academic institutions, and Medicaid managed care organizations.