June 25, 2019-LAWMAKERS SEEK HIGHER PAY FOR PERSONAL CARE, FULL FUNDING IN DOUBT

No one argues that personal-care workers don’t rate a pay hike, but giving them a boost will add $131 million to the state’s Medicaid expenses over next 12 months

New Jersey lawmakers want to boost Medicaid payments for certain home-based healthcare services traditionally plagued by low wages and high turnover, but where the state will find the money remains somewhat of a mystery.

The Assembly and Senate overwhelmingly approved legislation Thursday that would, over five years, increase to $25 the hourly rate Medicaid pays for personal-care services. These deliver critical assistance with daily tasks like bathing, dressing, and using the bathroom that help elderly residents and individuals with disabilities remain more independent.  Read more