Senate Judiciary Committee releases Dr. Steven Cha nomination for DHS after extensive questioning on Medicaid and group‑home oversight

Dr. Steven Cha, the nominee to lead New Jersey's Department of Human Services, told the Senate Judiciary Committee on Feb. 19 that his immediate priorities, if confirmed, will be “program integrity and stability,” with a particular focus on eligibility and enrollment systems as the state prepares for federal Medicaid changes he described as a major risk.

Cha, a primary‑care physician with national Medicaid experience, said he is “laser focused on eligibility enrollment systems and Medicaid and SNAP” and emphasized automation and better use of state data to prevent eligible residents from losing coverage. Citing federal legislation he called “HR 1,” Cha warned the state could face the loss of hundreds of thousands of enrollees and billions of dollars in federal funding unless enrollment systems are improved.

Members of the committee pressed Cha on how he would balance fiscal responsibility with access to services. Senator Singleton asked how the department would control Medicaid costs without cutting access; Cha answered that better data connections and automation—what he termed “ex parte renewals”—could reduce erroneous disenrollments and blunt projected coverage losses. Cha declined to commit to a specific numerical reduction but said improving systems could materially change the state's fiscal outlook.

The hearing also turned to oversight of group homes and prior reports that raised concerns about investigations and care. Senator Corrado asked for commitments on independent investigations, stronger ombudsman staffing and a medical professional overseeing medication in group homes serving adults with developmental disabilities. Cha said he would implement recently passed statutory tools, promulgate regulations, and pursue a mix of accountability and quality‑improvement measures.

On immigrant services Cha referenced the Office of New Americans and said the department would “follow the law” while ensuring that people know their rights and can access legal services; he offered to return with enrollment and funding details that he did not have on hand.

After several hours of questions from both parties, the committee conducted a roll call and announced the nomination was released from committee for consideration by the full Senate. The committee's action moves Cha’s nomination to the next Senate floor session on Feb. 23 for a final confirmation vote.

The committee also asked Cha to follow up with written details about program enrollments, the Boston Consulting Group contract that is advising the department on eligibility changes, and steps to strengthen the ombudsman office and group‑home oversight.