$2.28 Million Federal Grant Will Open Doors To Community Living
Medicaid Initiatives Will Provide Options To Institutions

TRENTON — The Department of Human Services, working with the Department of Health and Senior Services, will be able to further assist people with disabilities or long-term illnesses to receive services in their communities — rather than in institutions — thanks to a federal grant. The “Real Choice Systems Change Grants for Community Living” will provide more than $2.28 million for improvements to services delivery.

“Providing appropriate community-based care is our goal since it allows people to be with their loved ones. This grant is one more tool to help us do just that,” said Clarke Bruno, acting commissioner of Human Services.

To qualify for the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) grant, New Jersey developed at least three Medicaid initiatives to support beneficiaries who choose to move from institution-based care to community- and home-based care. These initiatives center around improved access to support services via a one-stop approach, enhanced computer technology to integrate information systems and client-oriented funding, rather than institution-oriented funding.

“We are looking forward to working with DHS and the advisory panel of consumers, self-advocates and provider agencies to make sure our efforts meet the needs of New Jersey's residents with aging, developmental disability and physical disability issues,” said Fred M. Jacobs, M.D., J.D., commissioner of Health and Senior Services.

New Jersey is one of eight states to receive the CMS funding for 2006 to address systems changes for this population. The other states are: California, Virginia, Michigan, North Carolina, New York, Rhode Island and Kansas. The grant became effective October 1, 2006.

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