Priorities
NJACP’s main goal is to provide sustainable services and support for people with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD). With that in mind, you can find NJACP’s current priorities below. For additional information and other issues, please contact info@njacp.org
The Perfect Storm
The Trump administration is proposing to cut Medicaid funding, the Governor has requested state agencies cut their budgets from 1%-5% and state legislation that would reduce the capacity of services and supports has been introduced in the state Senate. Consider New Jersey has 2200 people on the residential services waiting list, 1200 people in institutions and 2K in nursing homes that could believing in the community. These essential services need more funding, not less. It is a perfect storm that will harm people with IDD and reduce accessibility of services that already can be difficult to access. See each issue below and ways to advocate.
Protect Medicaid!
Congressional leaders are discussing proposals that could significantly reduce Medicaid funding, including per-capita caps, reducing the federal medical assistance percentage (FMAP) floor, and rescinding enhanced funding from the American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA). While these ideas are still in the early stages and remain undefined, they pose serious risks to services for individuals with I/DD. Cuts to Medicaid could fundamentally change the program’s structure, shifting costs to states and jeopardizing access to HCBS. This could lead to longer waitlists, fewer available services, and higher rates of institutionalization—placing immense strain on individuals, families, and providers.
To take action and contact the congressional representatives in your district click here.
Click for more information about the impact of the proposed Medicaid changes: Medicaid Per Capita Cap Would Harm Millions of People by Forcing Deep Cuts and Shifting Costs to States | Center on Budget and Policy Priorities
FY 26 Budget
Governor Murphy is drafting his Fiscal Year 2026 budget and has asked all state agencies, including the Department of Human Services, to send him budget proposals containing up to 5% cuts. As services and support for people with intellectual and developmental disabilities rely on Medicaid for funding, any cut would be devastating to individuals, families, and providers.
The impact of any cuts would undermine an already underfunded system. Individuals with IDD rely on services for active lives, without adequate funding, have the potential to sit at home or face isolation in institutional care. Inadequate funding means families may need to uproot their lives as access to services will be limited.
Click here for more information and to access NJACP’s call for action.
Senator Vitale introduces 7 Bill Package, Significantly Impacting Providers.
Senator Joe Vitale, Chairperson of the Senate Health, Human Services and Senior Citizens committee, introduced the following seven bills. NJACP expected legislation from his office but not on this scale, the bills are intended to reduce abuse and neglect but there are bills containing provisions that seek public financial disclosure and to parental/family oversight of agencies that does not appear to prevent abuse and neglect. Further analysis is needed to identify problematic provisions and provide recommendations. Agencies that would like to comment should not hesitate to reach out to mshea@njacp.org.
NJACP Actions to Date:
- Senator Vitale quoted in an article about a group home incident that there is a need for provider fines in early spring 2024.
- NJACP immediately meets with the Senator’s Office and discusses why fines are counterproductive to sustaining and expanding services.
- NJACP submits white paper to Senator’s office on best solutions for abuse and neglect, with the priority being increase wages so that agencies are in a better position to hire qualified staff.
- NJACP continues discussion with Senator’s office over the summer.
- Senator Vitale introduced 7 bills on October 8.
- NJACP Board of Directors and Legislative and Policy Committee meet on October 9.
- NJACP General Membership Meeting held on October 10.
On October 10, NJACP met via Zoom with members to discuss the seven bills recently introduced providing for additional oversight of providers. Senator Joe Vitale, Chairperson of the Senate Health, Human Services and Senior Citizens committee, introduced the following seven bills.
NJACP expected legislation from his office but not on this scale, the bills are intended to reduce abuse and neglect but there are bills containing provisions that seek public financial disclosure and to parental/family oversight of agencies that does not appear to prevent abuse and neglect.
NJACP sent the bills to membership, attended a stakeholder meeting regarding the legislation with DDD/DHS and Senator Vitales staff. It is our understanding these meetings will continue through November and the bill could be posted in committee as early as December or January.
Click here to view the power point utilized at the meeting that contains feedback from NJACP Board of Directors and its Legislative and Policy committee on the impact of the bill package on providers. Both groups held a joint meeting on October 8 in response to the introduction of the legislation. Some bills are more impactful than others. Please see below.
Again, anyone with additional comments or questions please reach out to mshea@njacp.org.
S-3750, which enhances enforcement authority over developmental disability service providers; establishes “Residential Facility Quality of Care Improvement Fund” in DHS.
S-3751, that revises the definition of child abuse or neglect to include persons between 18 and 21 years of age in certain settings.
S-3752, that establishes certain governance and service standards for developmental disability service providers; appropriates $300,000.
S-3753, that requires DHS and DCF to employ Director of Medical Services; appropriates $480,000.
S-3754, that establishes “Disability Mortality and Abuse Prevention Advisory Committee” in DHS; makes appropriation.
S-3755, that establishes framework for appointment of receiver for provider of services to individuals with developmental disabilities.
S-3756, that Mandates Division of Developmental Disabilities service providers to complete workforce survey.
Transportation
Transportation rates for intellectual and developmental disability (IDD) services have not kept pace with inflation, causing significant challenges for providers, families, and individuals. Agencies struggle to cover the costs of staff, travel, gas, and vehicles, forcing some individuals to rely on family members for transportation to day programs.
Human Services Equity Coalition & Important Information About A508/S2668
The Human Services Equity Coalition provides essential information about Bill A508/S2668, which aims to establish an annual cost-of-living adjustment (COLA) based on the Consumer Price Index for programs offering mental health, substance use treatment, and services for individuals with developmental disabilities.
DSP Wages
Direct Support Professionals (DSPs) are crucial to the care of individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD), yet their wages remain low due to insufficient reimbursement rates. Despite recent increases keeping DSP wages above New Jersey’s minimum wage, staffing shortages continue to limit program capacity and expansion.
