Senator Robert Singer and Assemblyman Sean Kean announced new legislation to expand NJ FamilyCare benefits for children with special needs. The bill, S-3803, creates a three-year pilot program to help middle-income families by providing healthcare access to children who are ineligible for federal Supplemental Security Income (SSI) due to parental income or assets.
Under the pilot program, children under 21 years of age who meet the federal definition of blind or disabled under the SSI program would be eligible for NJ FamilyCare eligibility, regardless of their family’s assets, allowing them to receive essential medical care and services while remaining in their family homes.
“This legislation is about ensuring that children with special needs, regardless of their family’s financial situation, have access to the care they need to thrive,” said Senator Robert Singer. “Many families are forced to make difficult decisions when it comes to paying for their child’s medical needs, and this pilot program will help alleviate that burden.”
Assemblyman Sean Kean echoed these sentiments, stating, “Families should not be penalized for doing their best to provide for their children. Our goal is to support these middle-income families and make sure children with special needs are given the opportunity to live at home with the proper care, without families facing financial ruin.”
The bill tasks the Commissioner of Human Services with overseeing the pilot program and conducting annual reviews of each child’s eligibility. After three years, the Commissioner will report on the program’s impact, costs, and recommendations for its continuation to the Governor and Legislature.
The need for such a program is evident, as many middle-income families do not qualify for NJ FamilyCare or SSI benefits, leaving them in dire financial straits.
“This pilot program is a lifeline for families who find themselves in a gap where they earn too much to qualify for assistance but not enough to afford the extensive care required for their children with special needs,” Senator Singer added.
Assemblyman Kean concluded, “We want to ensure that children with special needs receive the medical care they need without penalizing hardworking parents. This pilot program is a step in that direction.”
