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Family Voices Testimony on the NJ FamilyCare- Jean Cary 10/17/03 Dear Ms. Cary: Family
Voices is a national grassroots network speaking on behalf of children
with special healthcare needs. We
are also involved with Covering Kids at the N.J. Hospital Association and
their advocacy subcommittee. We
support the proposed amendments to the NJ FamilyCare-Children’s Program. We understand the necessity of de-linking medical assistance
benefits and cash benefits which occurred due to welfare reform, and hope
that there will be continued efforts to reduce confusion and inform
families of the different eligibility requirements for both programs. We agree that providing birthdate and social security
numbers, without needing verification except where discrepancies exist,
will help reduce barriers in enrolling uninsured children.
Another barrier reduction is the elimination of face-to-face
interviews. We’re pleased
that the income level for eligibility was increased slightly from 185 to
200% of the poverty level, which will allow more children to be enrolled.
We’re concerned, however, that including family cost share and
co-pays for Plan C may cause some hardship for families.
As it is estimated that over 75,000 children are eligible yet not
enrolled, reducing barriers for both initial and re-enrollment (for
retention) is essential. We
were pleased to be able to review the Family Care application for
re-enrollment and suggest revisions to facilitate the process.
Retroactive benefits of unpaid medical bills for 3 months under
Plan A will help ease financial burdens on families who are found eligible
for the plan. We support clarification of continued eligibility prior to
termination, which also assists families.
Another good support for families is eligibility for children who
have reached their lifetime cap under their health insurance policy.
We understand that children in Plans A, B, and C can voluntarily
terminate COBRA and enroll but there is a six-month waiting period for
Plan D and strongly support the elimination of the waiting period if COBRA
has expired. The flexibility
for eligible aliens in accordance with PRWORA, in addition to allowing
legal aliens who may be victims of domestic violence regardless entry
date, also helps more families. We
agree that there will be a positive economic impact on providers, and more
providers are accepting Medicaid since the introduction of Medicaid
managed care, which also increases access for families.
Thank you for this opportunity to comment and support the NJ
FamilyCare-Children’s Program. Sincerely, Lauren Agoratus NJ Coordinator-Family Voices
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