The New Jersey Department of Human Services, Division of Medical Assistance and Health Services issued Medicaid Communication No. 25-01 on December 24, 2024. The document includes updates to certain eligibility and post-eligibility calculations, and reflects a 2.5% federal cost-of-living adjustment (COLA) for SSI eligibility standards.
Notable changes effective January 1, 2025, include:
- Assisted Living Residence (ALR) and Comprehensive Personal Care Home (CPCH): Monthly room and board rates set at $973.40, with a maintenance needs allowance of $143.65.
- Adult Family Care (AFC): Monthly room and board rates set at $854.60, with a maintenance needs allowance of $143.65.
- Community Spouse Resource Allowance: Minimum increased to $31,584; maximum raised to $157,920.
- MLTSS Income Cap/Living at Home Monthly Standard: Increased to $2,901.
- In-kind Support Income Amounts: Updated to $342.33 for individuals and $503.33 for couples.
For full details on eligibility calculations, refer to the updated administrative manual sections (N.J.A.C. 10:71-4.8, 5.4-6, and 5.9). Practitioners should be mindful of these changes and update staff to ensure clients receive the most up to date advice. Read the full document here.