NEW JERSEY BILLS S140 & A4021 - Medicaid Coverage for Violence Prevention Services
Support New Jersey Bills S1407 & A4021 to secure Medicaid funding for life-saving violence prevention services.
What does this legislation do?
This session, the New Jersey legislature is considering S1407 & A4021, bills seeking to establish a "violence preventive services" benefit in the state's Medicaid program. This legislation will allow violence prevention professionals to seek financial reimbursement through Medicaid to provide critical services to victims of violence and those at high risk of violence. New Jersey has a diverse landscape of community violence prevention and intervention programs, including hospital-based violence intervention, street outreach, and mentoring programs, all of which could benefit from sustainable funding support through Medicaid.
Medicaid is the largest public health insurance program in the U.S., and in New Jersey, it provides coverage to over 2.2 million individuals). Research has shown that among individuals that are violently injured, nearly 2 out of 3 patients are either on Medicaid or uninsured.
In early 2021, the federal Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services authorized states to use Medicaid to fund violence intervention services such as hospital-based violence intervention programs and community-based programs. This opens a pathway for frontline violence prevention professionals to have access to reliable funding that supports their ability provide to consistent, high-quality, trauma-informed care for survivors of violence.
Who does S1407 & A4021 affect?
S1407 & A4021 are key to empower all communities to address violence and improve health outcomes in New Jersey by leveraging public health funding.
Coverage for violence prevention services would extend to Medicaid patients who have been personally injured and determined to be at significant risk of community violence.
If these bills become law, the Department of Health will be responsible for approving accredited training and certification programs for certified violence prevention professionals interested in being reimbursed through Medicaid. This training, encompassing at least 35 hours, will address the effect of trauma and include lessons on prevention strategies.
What does the Violence Preventive Services benefit cover?
Covered violence preventive services, delivered by certified violence prevention professionals, include health education, screening, assessment, connection to appropriate healthcare and social resources, and individualized support and advocacy.
How to support S1407 & A4021
As of 2024, California, Illinois, Connecticut, Oregon, Maryland, New York, and Colorado have passed laws to authorize Medicaid funding to support violence intervention and prevention services, aligning New Jersey with a national trend.
S1407 & A4021 represents a significant step toward addressing community violence and improving the well-being of the communities most impacted by gun violence in New Jersey.
Join the NJVIP Coalition to stay current on local advocacy efforts for this bill.