Christie will introduce proposal during 2 p.m. budget address
Clik here to view.
Seen from the gallery of the Assembly Chamber, Gov. Chris Christie receives a round of applause during last year's budget address. The annual speech is slated for 2 p.m. today.TRENTON — Gov. Chris Christie will propose saving $300 million on Medicaid spending by transferring everyone in the program — from nursing home patients to adult medical day care participants — into a managed care plan, according to two sources briefed about the governor's budget speech this morning.
The sources asked for anonymity because they did not believe they were authorized to release the information in advance of the governor's 2 p.m. budget address.
Described by Christie administration officials on a conference as a "major restructuring,'' the Medicaid changes will affect numerous programs that the state has allowed to be billed by the service, such as sending in-home health aides and covering pharmacy bills for senior citizens and the disabled.
Other highlights include:
• Closing the Vineland Developmental Center, relocating the 347 people who remain after the Christie administration closed a wing over the last year;
• Charging senior citizens $3 copays to attend adult medical day care for a maximum of $25 a month.
• Closing an unnamed public psychiatric hospital at a savings of $9 million. The administration proposed closing the Sen. Garrett Hagedorn Psychiatric Hospital in Glen Gardner in last year and families and legislators continue to challenge the plan.
• Moving 130 people with developmental disabilities off the community housing waiting list.
Related coverage:
• N.J.'s poorest residents fear Christie budget will cut Medicaid funds
• Christie vetoes bill to expand Medicaid to more women seeking family-planning services
• Christie may propose cutting Medicaid spending, employee benefits to help close $10.5B budget gap
