ASSEMBLY WOMEN AND CHILDREN COMMITTEE

STATEMENT TO

ASSEMBLY, No. 4934

STATE OF NEW JERSEY

DATED:  JANUARY 22, 2019

      The Assembly Women and Children Committee reports favorably Assembly Bill No. 4934.

      This bill provides Medicaid coverage to eligible pregnant women for a 365-day period beginning on the last day of a pregnant woman’s pregnancy.  Under current State law, Medicaid coverage for this population is extended for a 60-day period beginning on the last day of the pregnancy. 

      Specifically, the bill extends coverage of Medicaid services to pregnant individuals whose income does not exceed the highest income eligibility level established for pregnant women under the State Medicaid plan - currently 194 percent of the federal poverty (FPL) - for a 365-day period beginning on the last day of a pregnant woman’s pregnancy.

      The bill takes effect on the first day of the fourth month following its enactment, but authorizes the Commissioner of Human Services to take such prior administrative action as may be necessary for implementation.