New Jersey Caregivers: Increased Support Hours for Your Loved Ones through Medicaid

Caregiving is both a rewarding and challenging role, especially for those providing constant support to loved ones who wish to stay in the comfort of their own home. A recent change in New Jersey legislation aims to offer more support to caregivers, particularly those assisting individuals who qualify for nursing facility-level care.

Here’s what you need to know in simple terms:

What’s Changing?

A new bill, Senate Bill 3705, has been introduced in New Jersey to increase the number of hours Medicaid will cover for personal care assistant (PCA) services. Previously, Medicaid capped PCA services at 40 hours per week. This new legislation raises that limit to 91 hours per week, making it possible for eligible individuals to receive more support from caregivers in their homes.

Who Qualifies?

This increase in PCA hours applies to Medicaid beneficiaries who need the same level of care provided in nursing homes. If your loved one qualifies for this level of support, they can now receive more hours of help, allowing them to remain at home, which is often a more comfortable and preferred environment.

What Do Personal Care Assistant Services Include?

PCA services cover a range of tasks necessary for daily living, such as:

- Help with bathing, dressing, and grooming

- Assistance with moving around the home

- Meal preparation and feeding

- Medication reminders and basic health monitoring

These services are generally provided by trained assistants under the supervision of a registered nurse and are essential for many families who cannot be there around the clock due to work or other commitments.

Why This Matters

This increase in support hours not only helps keep loved ones at home but also helps family caregivers manage their own lives. With New Jersey’s high cost of living, many caregivers work full-time jobs and rely on PCA services to fill in the gaps. Expanding PCA hours to 91 per week gives caregivers peace of mind and supports a better work-life balance.

Contact us for a free consultation. Our team can guide you through the eligibility process, assist with Medicaid applications, and answer any questions you may have about expanding care services for your loved one. Let us support you in ensuring your loved ones receive the care they deserve while remaining in the comfort of their home.

With these additional hours, New Jersey caregivers can feel better supported, knowing their loved ones have the care they need without having to move into a nursing facility. This change reflects a commitment to keeping seniors and other vulnerable individuals at home, where they can thrive in familiar surroundings.