Establishes pilot program providing NJ FamilyCare eligibility for children with special needs who would otherwise be ineligible due to parental income and assets, and requires DHS commissioner to conduct study.

This bill (A1631) establishes a 3-year pilot program to expand NJ FamilyCare eligibility for children with special needs who live at home but would otherwise be ineligible due to parental income or assets. It directly affects middle-income families caring for children under 21 who meet the federal SSI definition of "blind or disabled" but are denied benefits because their parents' income or assets exceed limits. The program requires annual reviews to confirm the child still meets the disability definition, with an appeals process if benefits are terminated. After the pilot, the state must report on participation, costs, and whether to make the program permanent. The bill does not change existing Medicaid rules for children requiring nursing-home-level care.