New Jersey Assembly Bill A1338

New Jersey 2022-2023 Regular Session

• Introduced: 1/11/22
• Refer: 1/11/22

Caption

Requires DHS to create English and Spanish-language Internet websites to promote enrollment in affordable health care plans.

Impact

The bill proposes to amend prior legislation to better equip the state in promoting Medicaid and NJ FamilyCare benefits. By requiring a bilingual approach, it aims particularly at improving access for underserved populations, especially Spanish-speaking residents in New Jersey. Additionally, the Commissioner is tasked with providing a directory of health care centers that can act as 'health navigators', further facilitating the enrollment process for users. This initiative seeks to raise public awareness about available health coverage and encourage higher enrollment rates among those eligible.

Summary

Bill A1338, introduced in the New Jersey Legislature, seeks to enhance outreach and enrollment initiatives for the Medicaid and NJ FamilyCare programs. Specifically, it mandates the Commissioner of Human Services to develop dedicated websites in both English and Spanish to help residents access information about affordable health care coverage. The initiative emphasizes the need for culturally sensitive outreach through local and statewide media to ensure that parents and children can access health care programs effectively. By creating these online resources, the intent is to simplify the process of finding health coverage options and enrolling in necessary programs.

Contention

While the bill aims to bridge gaps in health coverage accessibility for marginalized communities, discussions may arise regarding the resources needed for implementation. Concerns could include funding for these outreach efforts, the effectiveness of online versus in-person assistance, and whether current health care infrastructure is adequately prepared to accommodate an influx of new enrollees. Ensuring that such initiatives do not merely create digital access without addressing in-person navigational support might be a point of contention in legislative circles.