New Jersey Law Provides More Long-term Care Choices
It’s always pleasing to highlight good news! Recently, the legislature in New Jersey recently passed a new law that will offer seniors on Medicaid more long-term care options. By 2008, senior citizens living in New Jersey will have a choice in the type of long-term care they receive through Medicaid, under a law made by Governor Jon S. Corzine. The law provides “an extraordinary change in direction and policy in a way that makes sure our seniors have a choice,” said Corzine in a recently concluded AARP summit on long term care.
Currently, New Jersey spends $1.68 billion of its Medicaid long-term care budget on nursing home care, compared with $162 million on community-based care like assisted living facilities, home health care and adult day care. That means a lot of money will be going to skilled nursing facilities. The law will now help bridge the gap between money going to nursing homes versus money going to people in the community. “Rather than requiring that nursing homes be the first stop, now nursing homes will be the appropriate stop, if necessary,” said Dr. Fred Jacobs, state health commissioner for New Jersey.
Skilled nursing facilities are the right choice for many seniors who require this type of specialized care, however, seniors should never be placed in a nursing home simply because there are no other options. On a personal level, the law provides for appropriate changes in a person’s home including the installation of bathroom handrails and other safety features. Home health aides and respite care are now under the Medicaid umbrella of covered services. There are already so many choices to make regarding long-term care, and the passing of this law will give you better and smarter choices that will suit your needs! Most funding for adult day services comes from city government agencies, participant fees and charitable sources.
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