Medicaid Updates in the Works

There has been a push in the New Jersey Assembly to pass a bill that would exempt certain transfers, up to $500, without having an adverse effect on Medicaid eligibility. These de minimis gifts for birthdays, graduations, religious/charity donations, etc would not penalize the Medicaid applicant when filing an application. While there are provisions within the New Jersey Administrative Code now that speak to transfers made prior to the onset of a traumatic event, this bill would more readily provide guidance to Medicaid caseworkers and institute a uniform procedure throughout the counties in assessing certain gifts and the resulting impact on Medicaid eligibility. We will keep you abreast as we learn more from the New Jersey State Senate.