Maddy summaryS 1946 extends Medicaid postpartum coverage for eligible pregnant women in New Jersey from the current standard period to 180 days (six months) after childbirth. This change directly affects low-income pregnant women who qualify for Medicaid under New Jersey’s program, ensuring continued access to medical care during the critical postpartum period. The bill amends Section 3 of P.L.1968, c.413 (C.30:4D-3) to adjust the eligibility timeframe for postpartum care under the medically needy program. It does not alter income or resource requirements but specifically extends the duration of coverage for this group. The bill was introduced in the Senate on January 9, 2024, and referred to the Health, Human Services and Senior Citizens Committee.
Sponsored bills
Maddy summaryThis bill re-establishes New Jersey's Arthritis Quality of Life Initiative and an Advisory Council on Arthritis within the Department of Human Services. It requires the department to create two regional arthritis centers (one northern, one southern), develop public education materials about arthritis prevention and treatment, and establish a phone-based referral system connecting people with arthritis to healthcare providers and support services. The initiative directly affects New Jersey residents with arthritis - approximately 1.6 million people in the state - who will gain access to improved resources and information. Key provisions include public awareness campaigns, professional training for healthcare providers, and outcome-based research to enhance arthritis care and reduce related healthcare costs.
Maddy summaryThis bill allows high school students aged 16+ in 12th grade to enroll in career certificate courses at New Jersey county colleges, provided they maintain good academic standing, have principal permission, and space is available. It removes the requirement for students to hold a state diploma or pass the GED to take these career-focused courses. County colleges cannot be forced to waive their standard prerequisites or application processes for these programs. The law takes effect immediately for the next full academic year.
Maddy summaryNew Jersey's S 1254 requires most health insurance plans (including hospital, medical service, health service, individual, and group policies) to cover medically necessary hearing aids for individuals under age 15. The bill mandates coverage for hearing aids for each ear when prescribed by a physician or audiologist, with a $1,000 annual limit per ear every 24 months. Patients may pay the difference for hearing aids exceeding the benefit amount without penalties to providers. This applies to policies where insurers reserve the right to adjust premiums, directly affecting children under 15 enrolled in covered insurance plans. The bill does not extend coverage to adults or alter existing benefits for other medical conditions.
Maddy summaryThis bill (S 272) ensures that if state funds dedicated to support the Alliance to Prevent Alcoholism and Drug Abuse (a network of community coalitions) fall short during fiscal years 2022-2023, the Governor must use federal pandemic relief funds (like CARES Act or American Rescue Plan funds) to cover the shortfall. It directly affects the Alliance’s ability to maintain its community-based programs, including school initiatives, treatment interventions, and public awareness campaigns. The bill does not create new funding but redirects existing federal pandemic assistance to stabilize the Alliance’s operations when state revenue declines unexpectedly. (S 272, introduced January 9, 2024)
Maddy summaryS 668 increases Medicaid reimbursement rates for two specific behavioral health services for adults aged 21+ with severe mental illness or substance use disorders. It raises reimbursement for "partial care" (minimum 20 hours/week) and "intensive outpatient" (minimum 9 hours/week) services by 35%, covering related services like counseling and evaluations. The bill also sets a minimum $10 reimbursement for each one-way Medicaid-covered transportation trip to these providers. These changes apply to all licensed outpatient facilities providing these services to eligible Medicaid beneficiaries starting on the bill's effective date.
Maddy summaryThis bill establishes New Jersey's "Electric Vehicle Battery Repurposing Fund" to support the environmentally safe reuse of used EV batteries. It requires $500 from the General Fund for every electric vehicle sold in the state each year to fund repurposing (like adapting batteries for home energy storage), remanufacturing (restoring batteries to like-new condition), and recycling. The fund directly affects electric vehicle owners through the sales-based funding mechanism, as it draws revenue from each new EV purchase. The law aims to prevent toxic battery materials - such as lithium and cobalt - from contaminating landfills as EVs become more common in New Jersey.
Maddy summaryS 167 creates new offenses targeting threats against New Jersey election officials and workers, making it a disorderly persons offense to intimidate them in writing or electronically while performing duties. It also establishes a process allowing election workers (like county clerks or voting staff) to request removal of their personal information - such as home addresses, phone numbers, or photos - from public internet records if they face an imminent safety threat. Workers must submit written requests with evidence of threat to the Division of Elections, which must then remove the information. The bill directly affects election workers and officials by strengthening protections against harassment and enabling privacy safeguards.
Maddy summaryS 952 requires all health insurance plans in New Jersey (including hospital, medical, and health service corporation plans) to cover annual mental health screenings at no extra cost to patients. The bill mandates that mental health coverage must be provided under the same terms as physical health care - meaning insurers cannot impose stricter copays, deductibles, or limits on mental health services compared to other medical treatments. This applies to all plans issued or renewed in New Jersey after the law takes effect, covering conditions defined by current medical standards (like those in the DSM). The law builds on federal mental health parity requirements but specifically adds the annual screening mandate as a new coverage obligation.
Maddy summaryThis bill establishes minimum nurse-to-patient staffing ratios for hospitals, ambulatory surgery centers, and certain state facilities (including developmental centers and psychiatric hospitals) in New Jersey. It requires specific ratios, such as 1 nurse per 5 medical/surgical patients, 1 per 2 in emergency critical care, and 1 per 1 in burn units. Facilities must implement acuity-based staffing systems that exceed these minimums, considering patient needs and staff skills, while maintaining nurse float pools. The regulations cannot reduce existing staffing levels and apply to all patient units covered by the law.