Education
I know the calendar says spring, but when I walk outside I think otherwise! It must be spring though because the LeadingAge New Jersey Annual Meeting & Expo is right around the corner, on May 27-28-29 at Bally's Atlantic City. We have a powerful program planned for our members, with a thought-provoking keynote, incredible education sessions, including a governance track, and an Expo that is bigger and better than ever. Plus, our receptions, wellness program, and silent auction will add to the festivities! Take a look at the brochure and be sure to send it along to your staff as well, there is something for everyone!
Advocacy
On April 16, President Obama signed the Medicare Access and CHIP Reauthorization Act of 2015 (H.R. 2), better known as the "doc fix". This is a permanent reform of the badly flawed Medicare physician payment system. Thank you to LeadingAge New Jersey members who made phone calls to your legislators and participated in hill visits during the national PEAK conference. LANJ had 17 members on the hill who visited with every New Jersey legislator's office. Your efforts, individually and collectively, made a difference in pushing this bill over the finish line.
Budget
State budget discussions are underway in New Jersey for the Christie Administration's proposed Fiscal Year 2016 budget. The Department of Health presented their FY 2016 budget to the Senate Budget and Appropriations Committee on April 14, 2015 and the Department will address the Assembly Budget Committee on May 13, 2015. The Department of Human Services/Medicaid addressed the Assembly Budget Committee on April 20 and it will discuss the proposed budget with the Senate Budget and Appropriations Committee on May 5, 2015.
There is an unusual amount of uncertainty this budget cycle due to a lawsuit filed by a group of public worker unions. The unions are contesting the Christie Administration's failure to make the pension payment in the amount of $1.57 billion in the current FY 2015 pursuant to the 2011 pension reform legislation. Due to the size of the pension payment, the result could have a significant impact on the budget process. We will continue to keep you informed and you can always check out the most recent News from Trenton by visiting www.LeadingAgeNJ.org
Services
For LANJ members looking for ways to improve resident satisfaction at your community, here's great news! LeadingAge New Jersey members have access to a valuable new member benefit - an annual Skilled Nursing Resident Power Survey from inQ Experience Surveys. This new member benefit is available to LeadingAge New Jersey members at no cost and other inQ Experience Survey products are also available to LeadingAge New Jersey members at a substantial discount. For more information about this best-practice-based short-format survey and other products click here for more information or call 630-981-8181.
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