Gill/Vitale Sponsored ‘New Jersey Health Benefit Exchange Act’ Approved By Both Houses
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Legislation sponsored by Senators
Required under the federal Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act, the health insurance exchange is the first major step toward implementing federal health care reform in
"With 1.3 million people uninsured,
"The exchange is an essential part of the federal health reform act that is aimed at ensuring that all residents have access to affordable, quality health coverage," said Senator Vitale (D-
To be established "in but not of" the
The governing board of the exchange would:
-Certify health care plans offered by the Exchange and facilitate the purchase of plans by individuals.
-Establish the State Business Health Options Program (SHOP) to assist participating employers in facilitating the enrollment of their employees in qualified plans;
-Create and offer a Basic Health Plan to enable uninsured persons with incomes of between 133 percent and 200 percent of the federal poverty level (for a family of four, incomes between
-Develop and implement a plan of operation for the exchange, including the procedures and minimum requirements for the selection, certification and recertification of qualified plans;
-Provide a customer service center and an Internet website that provides standardized comparative information on qualified plans, as well as an online calculator that will allow consumers to determine the cost of a plan after any premium tax credits or subsidies ; and
-Apply for any available federal funding.
Should a state fail to implement an exchange, or if a state is determined by the US Secretary of
"The state is facing a January deadline to demonstrate that it is making progress toward implementation. If we fail to adhere to that timeline, we risk the federal government stepping in to operate our system," said Senator Gill. "A state-operated exchange is the most optimal path forward for
"Creating a health insurance exchange, the centerpiece of federal healthcare reform, is the first step toward ensuring that every single New Jerseyan has access to affordable health care coverage," said Senator Vitale. "The exchange also begins the process of creating a more stable and robust health care delivery system in
The bill would establish the
The legislation would take effect on the first day of the seventh month following enactment, but would authorize the Commissioners of DOBI and Human Services to take anticipatory administrative action in advance as necessary for its implementation. The
TNS MJ88-120316-3808841 StaffFurigay
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