MedicaidReimbursementLow impact
Newsletter Vol. 8, No. 20
New Jersey Medicaid·NJ·Provider Notice
Effective date
Jan 1, 1998
We identified it
Jun 20, 2026
Summary
This is a 1998 Social Security Cost of Living (COLA) policy notification from New Jersey Medicaid for long-term care facilities. A 2.1% COLA increase effective January 1, 1998, was automatically applied to Social Security income amounts in the Unisys system. Billing teams must review COLA UPDATE REPORTS, reconcile patient payment amounts on TAD forms (MCNH-117 Block #35) against computed net income, and request updated PA-3L records from county welfare agencies when discrepancies of $1.00 or more are identified.
Action Required
IMMEDIATE ACTION REQUIRED (Policy is 26 years old and retroactive to 1998): This policy is severely outdated and should NOT be used for current billing. The 1998 COLA increase has long since been superseded by subsequent annual adjustments and policy updates. Billing teams must: (1) Disregard this entire policy as it applies only to 1998 long-term care Medicaid beneficiaries in New Jersey; (2) Consult current New Jersey Medicaid and Unisys documentation for present-day patient liability calculations; (3) Verify that PA-3L records and patient payment amounts reflect current COLA adjustments and income thresholds; (4) Contact the New Jersey Division of Medical Assistance & Health Services or current Unisys provider support for guidance on applicable 2024-2025 policies. Failure to use current guidance may result in incorrect patient liability determinations and claims denials.