LIFE WHILE RECEIVING BENEFITS UNDER THE NEW JERSEY PERSONAL PREFERENCE PROGRAM

by Emily M. Schurr, Esq.

Your New Jersey Personal Preference Program monthly budget can be used for services such as: employment of individuals, including family members, to provide Personal Care Assistant Services; cleaning services from private companies; errand services to assist with banking, shopping, post office, and other routine tasks; laundry services; services from a home health agency; and supplies and equipment that promote or enhance independence that are not covered by Medicaid (e.g., small appliances, technology, etc.).

While enrolled in the New Jersey Personal Preference Program, your caregivers will be paid by Medicaid for the care they are providing for you. The program provides fiscal management services, through a service called PCG Public Partnerships, LLC (PPL), to assist with the financial aspects. PPL is responsible for handling payroll responsibilities, acting as a bookkeeping service, processing time sheets, and issuing paychecks to paid caregivers.

If you are capable of self-directing services, you can serve as your own “authorized representative.” The “authorized representative” must approve the employee timesheets. Upon submission of these timesheets online, the employee is paid. There will be periodic follow-up meetings throughout your enrollment in the program.

You can appeal if you are rejected or believe the number of authorized hours is inadequate. You may consider hiring a lifecare planner, social worker, or other advocate to assist in the appeals process. You can request a reassessment if there has been a change in circumstances.

The New Jersey Personal Preference Program is a Medicaid program separate from Supplemental Security Income (SSI) and Division of Developmental Disabilities (DDD) and does not affect your eligibility for these programs.

For more information about the New Jersey Personal Preference Program please follow this link to a detailed Begley Law Group article – New Jersey PPP