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LEGISLATIVE & ADVOCACY ROUND-UP
May 2026
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BILL TO STRENGTHEN BRAIN INJURY SUPPORT SERVICES
PASSES COMMITTEE
Legislation would increase Medicaid reimbursement rates for structured day programs serving residents with brain injuries
On May 7, 2026, the Assembly Aging and Human Services Committee advanced Assembly Bill No. A-4485 (A-4885), which would strengthen access to support services for New Jersey residents living with both traumatic and non-traumatic brain injuries. The bill, sponsored by Assemblywoman Verlina Reynolds-Jackson, would establish a minimum Medicaid reimbursement rate for structured day program services provided to beneficiaries eligible for brain injury services. Structured day programs provide therapeutic, social, and rehabilitative support that help individuals with brain injuries maintain daily functioning.
"Living with and recovering from a brain injury is something measured not in days or weeks, but through lifelong support and the kind of care that helps someone maintain their independence and sense of self," said Assemblywoman Reynolds-Jackson. "Being able to participate in your community, build relationships, and live as normal a life as possible is deeply connected to a person's mental and emotional wellbeing and these programs provide a level of stability that simply cannot be matched."
"Survivors of brain injuries, who are also Medicaid recipients, are among our state's most vulnerable patients because they rely on state-managed programs to live full and independent lives. Unfortunately, the vital continuity of care these patients deserve is jeopardized by disparities in provider reimbursement rates. It is harder to retain high-quality providers when the rates differ so widely," said Assemblywoman Dawn Fantasia, the coprime sponmsor of the bill.
A-4485 would require Medicaid reimbursement rates for approved brain injury service providers offering structured day program services to be aligned with comparable service rates under the Division of Developmental Disabilities.
The Senate Health, Human Services and Senior Citizens Committee passed a similar measure on May 11, 2026.
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CENTERS FOR MEDICARE AND MEDICAID SERVICES SEEK COMMENTS ON NEW MEDICAID PROGRAM BY JUNE 2
The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) invites disability advocates to offer comments regarding the new Section 1915(c)(11). Section 1915(c)(11) provides states with another option for providing home and community based services (HCBS) in Medicaid for those who do not have an institutional level of care. Learn more here: Learn more by clicking HERE. CMS is interested in gathering input on how Section 1915(c)(11) can best support states, strengthen HCBS, improve participant experience, enhance program integrity, and advance integration and quality across Medicaid programs. CMS seeks to hear directly from stakeholders about opportunities, challenges, implementation considerations, and lived experiences. This is an opportunity for people with brain injury to share their stories, state what is needed to live in the community, and why it is important to avoid receiving care in institutional settings. Email comments to MedicaidReforms@cms.hhs.gov. Deadline is June 2, 2026.
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NEW JERSEY PARTNERS IN POLICYMAKING IS ACCCEPTING APPLICATIONS FOR 2026-2027
New Jersey Partners in Policymaking is a leadership development and advocacy education program for adults with developmental disabilities (over age 21), family members or children, and transition age youth available through collaboration between The New Jersey Council on Developmental Disabilities, The Boggs Center on Disability and Human Development, and Disability Rights New Jersey. The goal of this program is to prepare the next generation of disability advocates to work toward meaningful change in our state. Through participation in in-person and virtual educational leadership development sessions and completion of assignments, selected participants learn about best practices and important areas for advocacy from nationally-known experts. Upon completion of the program, participants will have developed the knowledge and skills needed to:
- Advocate for opportunities and supports that promote self-determination, independence, and inclusion in all aspects of community life
- Be members of advisory board and committees
- Work alongside policymakers and state agencies
Applications must be received by June 26, 2026 and applicants will be notified of acceptance by July 27, 2026. If you need assistance to complete the application, or would like to complete the application by phone contact Jaime Zahid (jaime.zahid@rutgers.edu). Click HERE to access the program application.
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WEBINAR: MENTAL HEALTH SUPPPORTS FOR MILITARY SERVICE MEMBERS
June 17 at 1 p.m.
An estimated 17–23% of U.S. service members and veterans experience a traumatic brain injury, and many also face co-occurring mental health challenges such as post-traumatic stress disorder, depression, and suicide risk—highlighting a critical need for coordinated, effective systems of care. This webinar explores innovative, collaborative approaches to advancing mental health and brain injury supports for service members, veterans, and their families. Learn more and register at Webinar Registration - Zoom.
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RECORDED WEBINAR: AN EARLY LOOK AT STATE APPROACHES TO IMPLEMENTING MEDICAID WORK REQUIREMENTS
Starting January 1, 2027, federal law will require that adults enrolled in the Affordable Care Act (ACA) Medicaid expansion and enrollees in partial expansion waiver programs in Georgia and Wisconsin meet new work requirements. On April 30, 2026, an hour-long interactive virtual briefing focused on states’ efforts to implement these new Medicaid work and community engagement requirements, which have created new administrative demands on states at a time of federal funding cuts, slowing revenue growth, and increasing spending demands. The briefing included a presentation of findings from a survey of state Medicaid and CHIP program officials on eligibility, enrollment, and renewal policies, conducted with Georgetown University’s Center for Children and Families, as well as insights from Kate McEvoy of the National Association of Medicaid Directors about how states are approaching implementation of Medicaid work requirements. Learn more and access a recording of the webinar HERE.
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DISABILITY RIGHTS NEW JERSEY EMPOWERS FAMILIES WITH LAUNCH OF "NAVIGATING YOUR RIGHTS TO SPECIAL EDUCATION IN NEW JERSEY: A SELF-ADVOCACY GUIDE"
Disability Rights New Jersey, the State’s designated Protection and Advocacy (P&A) system for people with disabilities, announced the release of a self-advocacy guide to empower students and parents with tools to navigate the special education system in New Jersey. The P&A developed “Navigating Your Rights to Special Education in New Jersey: A Self-Advocacy Guide” in response to an increasing demand for assistance and will enable families to advocate effectively for their children, ensuring all students with disabilities in New Jersey receive a Free Appropriate Public Education (FAPE) that prepares them for full participation in society.
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REGISTRATION IS OPEN! NJ NONPROFITS ADVOCACY DAY
New Jersey nonprofits are bringing their power to the State House. On Monday, June 22, nonprofit champions from across the state will gather in Trenton for NJ Nonprofits Advocacy Day, a free event centered on advocacy, visibility, connection, and shared presence. This is a chance to be in the room, connect with colleagues across the sector, and stand together as one unified voice for New Jersey’s nonprofit community. Registration is required. Learn more and register by clicking HERE.
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NEW JERSEY STATE BAR FOUNDATION TO HOST LAW AND DISABILITY CONFERENCE
The Law and Disability Conference is held each year at the New Jersey Law Center and is cosponsored with the Community Health Law Project. This year’s conference will cover key issues including housing, immigration, as well as education and oversight for children with disabilities. This free and informative event addresses issues related to people who have a disability and their caregivers. Learn more and register by clicking HERE.
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BILLS ADVANCED
BIANJ monitors legislation that can be of interest to the brain injury cause. The following legislation has advanced through the legislative process. If you have questions about any of these bills, contact Tom Grady, Director of Advocacy and Public Affairs at tgrady@bianj.org.
New Jersey
S438: Establishes minimum Medicaid reimbursement rate for structured day program services provided to beneficiary eligible for brain injury services.
S4112: Establishes brain injury screening and education program in DCF.
A2132: Requires paratransit vehicle operators to announce stops for passengers.
A4485: Establishes minimum Medicaid reimbursement rate for structured day program services provided to beneficiary eligible for brain injury services.
A4808: Establishes New Jersey Justice Center for the Protection of Individuals with Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities.
A4875: Changes certain driver testing and education requirements for persons with disabilities.
A4898: Establishes low-speed electric bicycle public awareness campaign in MVC; appropriates $250,000.
A5104: Establishes brain injury screening and education program in DCF.
ACR143: Changes certain driver testing and education requirements for persons with disabilities.
United States Congress
H.R.1493: To reauthorize and make improvements to Federal programs relating to the prevention, detection, and treatment of traumatic brain injuries, and for other purposes.
H.Res. 1287: Recognizing stroke as a national health crisis requiring immediate, coordinated Federal action, and for other purposes.
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BIANJ is funded in part through the New Jersey Department of Human Services, Division of Disability Services, and
New Jersey Department of Children and Families.
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