To read Paul S. Aronsohn's 2018 Annual Ombudsman Report, click below:
Highlights from New Jersey Division of Developmental Disabilities Seminar in Hamilton
The DDD invited families to its quarterly update meeting, in Hamilton, NJ on April 26, 2018.
Members of the public were present, concerns were raised, and discussion ensued.
The Agency organized the seminar around 7 general topics, and the detailed overview can be viewed here.
New Jersey Creates Ombudsman for Disability Services
Earlier this week, Governor Chris Christie signed A-3824 into law. The law 'establishes Office of Ombudsman for individuals with intellectual or developmental disabilities and their families.'
From Lilo H. Stainton of NJ Spotlight: "Estimated to cost anywhere from $150,000 to $1.9 million annually, depending on its workload, the ombudsman and a limited staff would be responsible for helping individuals access appropriate federal, state, and local services; assisting them with communications with government agencies and dispute resolution, while serving as neutral arbitrators; identifying patterns of complaints and recommend improvements; and working with state agencies to better reach those they serve. In addition, the office would be required to report its work to state officials, the governor and the lawmaker each year."
Outgoing Governor Approves Array of Healthcare Programs - NJ Spotlight
Easter Seals was allowed back into the State’s Administration system
Easter Seals was allowed back into the State’s Administration system because their replacement, Public Partnerships, was unable to fully discharge the strenuous duties that they assumed when the State contract was awarded to them months ago. Details are sketchy at this time and post21club.org will continue to monitor and report on the situation.
New Jersey Family Care update- July 2, 2017
New Jersey Family Care greatly benefited from Obamacare. For a demographic map of how New Jersey would be impacted by the repeal of newly-realized Medicaid benefits, visit http://www.nj.com/news/index.ssf/2017/03/map_who_in_nj_would_get_hurt_by_repealing_and_repl.html
New Jersey Family Care update- June, 2017
(By Beverley Roberts, the ARC of NJ)
June 2017: NJ FamilyCare - Important Information
It is important for families and staff to be aware of the necessity of completing the NJ FamilyCare renewal application if it arrives in the mail. The renewal application is mailed to those who already have Medicaid, and it is necessary for it to be completed and mailed back quickly, in order to continue Medicaid benefits. If this renewal application is ignored, the result would be the termination of Medicaid!
Please note that the term "NJ FamilyCare" is the same as "Medicaid." The "Aged, Blind, and Disabled" Medicaid program is one of the Medicaid categories in which many individuals with I/DD receive their Medicaid benefit.
Although a renewal application can be sent out as often as every year (depending upon the county in which one lives), some families may never have received a renewal application for their son/daughter's NJ FamilyCare/ Medicaid, while others may receive a renewal application every year. The NJ FamilyCare/ Medicaid renewal application is sent through the regular mail, at different times in the year, so if a family does not receive it, they should not be concerned.
Please share this information with others who may also be interested.
Thank you!
Beverly Roberts, Director, Mainstreaming Medical Care
The Arc of New Jersey
985 Livingston Avenue
North Brunswick, NJ 08902
Direct line: 732.246.2567; T:732.246.2525 x34; F:732.246.2567
broberts@arcnj.org; www.arcnj.org