ASSEMBLY AGING AND HUMAN SERVICES COMMITTEE

STATEMENT TO

SENATE, No. 3934

STATE OF NEW JERSEY

DATED:  MARCH 17, 2025

      The Assembly Aging and Human Services Committee reports favorably Senate Bill No. 3934.

            This bill codifies Medicaid coverage for eligible pregnant women for a 365-day period beginning on the last day of a woman’s pregnancy.  The Division of Medical Assistance and Health Services in the Department of Human Services has been mandated to provide this benefit, via budget language included in the State’s Annual Appropriations Act, since FY 2022.  Moreover, the division has included this policy in the NJ FamilyCare 1115 Comprehensive Demonstration, which governs the operations of significant components of New Jersey’s Medicaid program.  The current demonstration is effective through June 30, 2028.

      The State’s efforts regarding Medicaid coverage for pregnant individuals are aligned with changes at the federal level.  For example, a provision in the “American Rescue Plan Act of 2021” gave states a new option to extend Medicaid postpartum coverage to 12 months, instead of 60 days, via a state plan amendment for the purposes of improving maternal health and coverage stability, and addressing racial disparities in maternal health.  This new option took effect on April 1, 2022 and was originally available for five years; however, the option was made permanent by the “Consolidated Appropriations Act 2023.” 

      This bill also clarifies that the State’s existing coverage of Medicaid services for pregnant individuals is extended to those individuals whose income does not exceed the highest income eligibility level established for pregnant women under the State Medicaid plan.

      As reported by the committee, Senate Bill No. 3934 is identical to Assembly Bill No. 5321, which was also reported by the committee on this date.