New Jersey 2026-2027 Regular Session

New Jersey Assembly Bill A1796

Introduced
1/13/26  

Caption

Increases Medicaid reimbursement for in-person partial care and intensive outpatient behavioral health and substance use disorder treatment services, and associated transportation services, for adults.

Impact

The bill's provisions indicate a significant shift in funding strategies for Medicaid-supported behavioral health services. By increasing reimbursement rates, it is expected that more healthcare providers may be encouraged to offer in-person treatment options, which could lead to enhanced service availability for adults experiencing mental health challenges. The changes in reimbursement also extend to transportation services related to these treatments, establishing a minimum rate of $10 for one-way trips, thereby further lowering barriers to access for individuals requiring these services.

Summary

Assembly Bill A1796 seeks to enhance Medicaid reimbursement rates for certain behavioral health and substance use disorder treatment services. This legislation specifically targets in-person partial care and intensive outpatient services for adults, implementing a 35 percent increase in reimbursement rates when these services are provided to adult Medicaid enrollees. The bill aims to make these essential services more accessible and financially viable for both service providers and beneficiaries, facilitating improved mental health care delivery in the state of New Jersey.

Contention

Although the bill has garnered support for addressing urgent healthcare needs, potential points of contention may arise concerning the impact on the overall Medicaid budget. Opponents could argue that funding increases for specific services may divert resources from other critical areas within Medicaid. Additionally, debates might surface around the effectiveness of such increases in improving treatment outcomes, as stakeholders assess whether more funding translates to better patient care and accessibility.

Companion Bills

NJ S668

Carry Over Increases Medicaid reimbursement for in-person partial care and intensive outpatient behavioral health and substance use disorder treatment services, and associated transportation services, for adults.

NJ A2868

Carry Over Increases Medicaid reimbursement for in-person partial care and intensive outpatient behavioral health and substance use disorder treatment services, and associated transportation services, for adults.

NJ S777

Same As Increases Medicaid reimbursement for in-person partial care and intensive outpatient behavioral health and substance use disorder treatment services, and associated transportation services, for adults.

Similar Bills

OH HB780

Enact the Medicaid Savings Act

OH SB386

Enact the Medicaid Savings Act

HI SR116

Urging The Governor To Determine A Course Of Action For The State, Should The Federal Government Cut Funding For Medicaid.

HI HCR187

Urging The Governor To Determine A Course Of Action For The State, Should The Federal Government Cut Funding For Medicaid.

HI HR180

Urging The Governor To Determine A Course Of Action For The State, Should The Federal Government Cut Funding For Medicaid.

HI SCR144

Urging The Governor To Determine A Course Of Action For The State, Should The Federal Government Cut Funding For Medicaid.

OH HB130

Regards Medicaid Estate Recovery Program notification requirement

NJ S2742

Requires Medicaid fee-for-service coverage of managed long term services and supports when beneficiary is pending enrollment in managed care organization.