MedicaidAdministrativeLow impact
Newsletter Vol. 30, No.13
New Jersey Medicaid·NJ · Geriatrics·Provider Notice
Effective date
Mar 1, 2020
We identified it
Jun 20, 2026
Summary
This New Jersey Department of Human Services policy clarifies that COVID-19 CARES Act stimulus payments ($1,200 per adult) received by Medicaid-eligible residents in long-term care facilities must be handled as excluded income/resources for 12 months and cannot be retained by facilities. Facilities must promptly notify residents and make funds available for personal use, either directly or through personal needs accounts. This is informational guidance for LTC providers and does not directly impact medical billing workflows at healthcare practices.
Action Required
This policy does not require action by medical billing teams at healthcare practices. It applies specifically to long-term care facilities managing resident stimulus payments and Medicaid eligibility. If your practice operates or bills for LTC facilities in New Jersey, ensure facility administrators are aware that stimulus payments cannot be retained and must be made available to residents within 12 months. For questions about Medicaid eligibility impacts, refer to the NJ County Boards of Social Services.