Protecting Your Care: Medicaid & SNAP Changes And How They Impact You | | |
Monday, January 26th
1:00pm - 2:15pm
The impact of HR 1, previously called One Big Beautiful Bill, can be confusing and scary. The Garden State Coalition for Care developed this webinar with the
expertise of advocates who understand these systems firsthand and are committed to making this information
clear, respectful, and useful for everyone.
This free webinar is for anyone
who receives Medicaid or SNAP
benefits, anyone who helps
support them, and anyone who
cares about protecting access
to care in New Jersey.
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Social Security Payments Increase for 2026
People with disabilities who receive Supplemental Security Income and other Social Security benefits are getting an increase for the new year, due to an annual automatic cost-of-living adjustment, or COLA, that’s tied to inflation. The 2026 COLA is 2.8%. Thanks to the adjustment, the maximum federal SSI benefit for individuals will reach $994 per month, up from $967 in 2025. The SSI benefit for couples will rise to $1,491 per month compared to $1,450 in 2025. Read more.
New Jersey is a state the contributes extra to the SSI payment, so an individual living alone or with others in the household may receive up to $1,025.25/month in 2026. Read more about SSI in NJ for 2026.
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ABLE Accounts Available to More Individuals; Contribution Limits Increase
The ABLE age adjustment expands who can qualify for an ABLE account by raising the age at which a disability must have begun—from before age 26 to before age 46, now in effect for 2026. This change opens the door to millions of adults who were previously shut out - allowing them to finally use ABLE’s tax advantages and benefit protections for long-term planning.
The ABLE annual contribution limit also increased to $20,000 for 2026, and for individuals who are able to work, you may be able to contribute an additional $15,560 into your ABLE account this year.
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New Jersey Human Services Launches START Crisis Prevention & Intervention Program for Individuals with Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities and Mental Health Needs
On December 22nd, New Jersey Human Services Commissioner Sarah Adelman announced the official launch of a new START program to provide evidence-based, community crisis prevention and intervention services for individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD) and co-occurring mental health needs.
The START (Systemic, Therapeutic, Assessment, Resources, and Treatment) Model is now active in 11 counties across New Jersey: Atlantic, Burlington, Camden, Cape May, Cumberland, Gloucester, Mercer, Middlesex, Monmouth, Ocean, and Salem.
The program is operated by YAI (Young Adult Institute) under a $3.2 million contract awarded by Human Services’ Division of Developmental Disabilities (DDD). The launch of START builds on several initiatives advanced by the Murphy Administration to strengthen behavioral health supports for individuals with developmental disabilities. These include investments in community-based emergency stabilization services, enhanced training for direct support professionals, and expanded access to acute behavioral health services tailored to individuals with IDD. This also continues to build the continuum of responder models, alongside the 9-8-8 system of care and specific programs like ARRIVE Together.
Read the full NJ DHS Press Release in ENGLISH and SPANISH
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Governor Murphy Announces Sixth Round of Medical Debt Relief, Eliminating Over $86 Million in Medical Debt for More Than 53,000 New Jerseyans
In the Murphy Administration’s sixth round of medical debt relief, NJ Governor Phil Murphy announced that more than 53,000 New Jersey residents will see a combined $86 million in medical bills abolished as a result of the State’s ongoing partnership with national nonprofit Undue Medical Debt (Undue). To date, this partnership has seen nearly $1.4 billion in medical debt eliminated for over 828,000 New Jersey residents. By leveraging approximately $600,000 in American Rescue Plan funds from the State’s investment in medical debt abolishment, Undue has purchased this debt from provider partners.
Read the full press release
| | A Lifeline for New Jerseyans: The Importance of Protecting and Expanding NJ FamilyCare Home and Community-Based Services | | |
NJ FamilyCare Home and Community-Based Services (HCBS) support nearly 90,000 older adults and people with disabilities living in the community. These services are critical to ensuring New Jerseyans can remain living at home and active in their communities, which most people prefer compared to living in institutions.
Because HCBS coverage is optional for states to provide under Medicaid, federal cuts to the Medicaid program enacted through H.R.1, the Budget Reconciliation Act, put HCBS under threat.
A new Justice in Aging fact sheet, co-branded with Disability Rights New Jersey and The Boggs Center on Disability and Human Development, provides an overview of Medicaid HCBS in New Jersey and their vital role in supporting the health and well-being of older adults and disabled people. It makes the case for why New Jersey must commit to maintaining and expanding these vital supports in spite of federal and other fiscal threats.
In addition to sharing real life stories that illustrate the vital importance of Medicaid HCBS for New Jerseyans, the fact sheet includes policy recommendations for protecting and expanding access to HCBS including raising revenue, expanding financial eligibility, strengthening the provider network, and protecting enhanced eligibility pathways.
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NJ Department of Health Offering No-Cost Covid & Flu Vaccines
The New Jersey Department of Health (NJDOH) has announced a statewide initiative to provide no-cost COVID-19 and flu vaccinations for residents, including children ages six months and older. The goal is to protect families and communities during the 2025-2026 respiratory illness virus season, making prevention easier no matter your insurance status.
For dates and locations, visit the NJDOH vaccine site: nj.gov/health/covid-19/information/vaccines or call your local health department.
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Governor-Elect Mikie Sherrill Seeks Public Input
This is an opportunity to share your voice and elevate the issues that matter most to you and your community. Complete the survey below to communicate your priorities to the incoming Sherrill Administration.
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Improving Healthcare Experiences for Patients with Autism
Rowan University is conducting an IRB-approved research study to improve healthcare experiences and accessibility for individuals with autism while supporting registered nurses in providing compassionate, high-quality care. The project aims to develop a resource cart that enhances comfort and accessibility during medical visits.
The study is seeking participation from autistic children ages 5–17, autistic adults, caregivers of autistic individuals, and currently practicing registered nurses in the United States. Adults must be able to communicate in English.
Participation involves a one-time visit at Rowan University in Glassboro, NJ:
- Autistic adults, caregivers, and RNs: 1–2 hours
- Autistic children: 45–60 minutes
Compensation includes a $75 virtual gift card, or SONA credit for Rowan University students who prefer academic credit.
| If you have any questions about the study that you would like answered prior to proceeding, please contact Christina Simmons at simmonsc@rowan.edu |
GAO Report on Healthcare Accessibility
The Government Accountability Office (GAO) released a new report on barriers to healthcare that people with disabilities face. GAO examined barriers in medical facilities, medical equipment, and technology, as well as issues regarding provider training, communication, and bias. Because the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) does not collect national data from people with disabilities about healthcare accessibility, GAO also analyzed where there are gaps in federal data collection and made recommendations to fix them. GAO conducted a survey of 1,194 adults with disabilities and “interviewed HHS officials and representatives from nine disability associations and research groups and two accrediting organizations” in order to collect data on the experiences of people with disabilities in medical environments.
Read the full report here.
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Join us in 2026!
The Catching Up with Connor Facebook Live on Facebook series resumes this month.Tune in every other Thursday at 2:30pm for this series, featuring 10-15 minute educational presentations on specific health care issues, news, and key topics for individuals with IDD and their families.
No registration is required, but please leave a like and comment what topics you would like to see in the future!
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Virtual Office Hours
The Health Care Advocacy Program offers virtual office hours on Mondays from 1:00pm to 3:00pm.
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Meet with the Director of Health Care Advocacy to discuss healthcare questions or concerns, for example, regarding Medicaid, Medicare, or Social Security, as they affect your family member or loved one with IDD.
Appointments are offered on a first-come, first-served basis and may be limited to 20 minutes, as needed. Please be patient, as the Director will meet with everyone who registers and joins the virtual meeting.
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