In 1965, a state and federal entitlement partnership known as Medicaid was created to provide basic health insurance at no cost for very low-income families, the aged and individuals with disabilities. Over the decades, however, the program has expanded to provide coverage and services to an increasing number of people at higher income levels. As a result, its costs have sky-rocketed, placing a considerable financial burden on states' budgets. In the proposed Fiscal Year 2012 budget, Medicaid will cost New Jersey's taxpayers $5 billion.

Many ideas have been considered for effective, long-term, cost-containing changes to Medicaid. Some are clearly detailed in the proposed Fiscal Year 2012 budget; others are included in the Comprehensive Medicaid Waiver. The goal of the Waiver is to give New Jersey the flexibility it needs to define who is eligible, the benefits they receive and value-driven service delivery.

More information about the Department's Comprehensive Medicaid Waiver can be found in the links below:

Waiver Approval Letter   NEW!

Waiver Special Terms and Conditions   NEW!

Commissioner Velez's Testimony Before the State Assembly Budget Committee 2/29/12  

Section 1115 Demonstration Comprehensive Waiver September 9, 2011 

Medicaid Comprehensive Waiver Presentation Slide Deck 

Medicaid Comprehensive Waiver Concept Paper 

Medicaid Comprehensive Waiver Framework

Medicaid Comprehensive Waiver Budget Testimony 5/24/11 

Savings Estimates for the Medicaid Comprehensive Waiver