Ms. Harr has worked in New Jersey鈥檚 Division of Medical Assistance and Health Services (DMAHS) since 2002 in a variety of roles. She was named Director of the division in December 2010 and serves as a member of the National Association of Medicaid Directors and co-chair of the CMS/State Children鈥檚 Health Insurance Program Technical Advisory Group. In her capacity, Ms. Harr is often approached by her counterparts in other states who are interested in learning more about New Jersey鈥檚 Medicaid provisions.
鈥淚 am incredibly honored to be chosen as a fellow by this prestigious Institute,鈥� said Harr. 鈥淚 am eager to engage with the other directors, each from states very different from New Jersey, which will expand the breadth of expertise and insight on hand.鈥�
鈥淯nder the state鈥檚 new budget, many Medicaid reform efforts began but there also are a variety of changes are on the horizon as a result of the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act,鈥� Harr added. 鈥淭he ability to review and discuss these issues in depth with colleagues from across the country is an incredible privilege.鈥�
New Jersey鈥檚 FY鈥�12 budget introduced mandatory enrollment into managed care for Medicaid鈥檚 prescription plan and the aged, blind and disabled populations. It also projected $300 million in savings, incorporated into a Comprehensive Medicaid Waiver, that will advance the administration of the program, support innovative care delivery systems and promote efficiencies in services.
New Jersey's Medicaid and NJ FamilyCare programs provide subsidized health insurance to nearly 1.3 million residents. The division employs about 460 people who work in Trenton and in Medical Assistance Customer Centers (MACCs) throughout the state. Its FY'12 budget is approximately $11 billion in state and federal funding.
