Increases resource threshold limit for certain Medicaid eligibility groups.

2026-2027 Regular Session Introduced by Carmen Morales and 2 co-sponsors

Raises asset limits to $40k individual / $60k couple for several Medicaid programs, widening eligibility for ABD, Medically Needy, MLTSS, and Medicare Savings Programs.

Introduced, Referred to Assembly Aging and Human Services Committee

Summary of Bill A-2215 (Session 222) — New Jersey

Main purpose and intent

bill A-2215 seeks to increase the resource eligibility thresholds for several Medicaid-related programs and eligibility groups in New Jersey. By raising the allowable countable resources (assets) for certain applicants and recipients, the measure aims to broaden access to Medicaid-based coverage and related programs for low- and moderate-income individuals, including the aged, blind, and disabled, as well as those eligible for Medicare Savings Programs and long-term services and supports (MLTSS).

Key provisions and changes

Increased resource thresholds (core change):

Sets resource standards at up to $40,000 for an individual and $60,000 for a couple for several eligibility pathways, aligning with the Jersey Assistance for Community Caregiver (JACC) framework.
Applies to:
Aged, Blind, and Disabled (ABD) eligibility pathway.
Medically Needy eligibility pathway.
Qualified applicants and beneficiaries seeking entry into the Medicaid Managed Long-Term Services and Supports (MLTSS) program.
Medicare Savings Programs (QMB, SLMB, and QI) resource standards, under a federal waiver-based approach.

Specific program mechanics and alignment:

For MLTSS, a person remains eligible if resources do not exceed 100% of the medically needy resource standard after any permissible community-spouse resource allocation.
For Medicare Savings Programs, resource standards are implemented via 1902(r)(2) flexibilities (federal asset-eligibility waivers), with tiered thresholds increasing with household size (see above $40k/$60k and incrementals for larger households).

Administrative and federal planning provisions:

The Commissioner of Human Services must pursue necessary State plan amendments and waivers to implement the act, maximize federal financial participation, and minimize administrative burden.
The act permits waivers to waive resource consideration during Medicaid renewals where allowed by federal law (1902(e)(14)(A) flexibility), to streamline redeterminations.
The Department will adopt rules and regulations to implement the act (Administrative Procedure Act process).

Effective date: The act takes effect immediately upon enactment.

Who would be affected

Individuals and families currently qualifying for ABD and Medically Needy pathways who have resources above previous thresholds.

Recipients of MLTSS benefits and applicants/beneficiaries of Medicare Savings Programs (QMB, SLMB, QI) whose resource levels would now be eligible under the higher thresholds.

State and county agencies administering Medicaid eligibility and redetermination processes, which will implement waivers, state plan amendments, and streamlined procedures.

Procedural and timeline aspects

The bill outlines steps for seeking federal approvals (state plan amendments and waivers).

It directs the Commissioner to adopt implementing regulations under the Administrative Procedure Act.

It seeks to simplify and potentially expedite eligibility redeterminations for affected groups through federal flexibilities.

Overall, A-2215 broadens Medicaid-related eligibility by raising asset limits to $40,000 for individuals and $60,000 for couples in several programs, with an emphasis on aligning state practices with federal waivers and reducing administrative burdens.