SENATE HEALTH, HUMAN SERVICES AND SENIOR CITIZENS COMMITTEE

STATEMENT TO

ASSEMBLY, No. 2281

STATE OF NEW JERSEY

DATED:  FEBRUARY 9, 2021

      The Senate Health, Human Services and Senior Citizens Committee reports favorably Assembly Bill No. 2281.

      This bill requires the Commissioner of Human Services to review and streamline the application process for senior citizens who wish to participate in the New Jersey Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), to the maximum extent permissible under federal law.  The goal of the streamlining process will be to ensure that the number of senior SNAP participants either matches or exceeds the national average.

      In streamlining the SNAP application process for seniors, the commissioner will be required to:  1) develop and make available a simplified SNAP application form for use by seniors; 2) provide for the increased sharing of data between the State’s various social services programs and platforms; and 3) authorize, and establish appropriate procedures to facilitate, the simultaneous or cross enrollment of eligible seniors in the State Medicaid program and SNAP.

      The bill also requires the Department of Human Services to engage in comprehensive outreach efforts to ensure that all eligible seniors are made aware of their ability to apply for and obtain SNAP benefits through the streamlined and expedited processes established under the bill.  The bill requires the department to work in consultation and cooperation with senior citizen advocacy organizations in performing this outreach.  Finally, the bill requires the Commissioner of Human Services to apply to the Food and Nutrition Service within the United States Department of Agriculture for any waivers or approvals as are necessary to implement the provisions of the bill.

      As reported by the committee, Assembly Bill No. 2281 is identical to Senate Bill No. 1078, which was also reported by the committee on this date.