New Jersey Senate Bill S1146

New Jersey 2022-2023 Regular Session

• Introduced: 1/31/22
• Refer: 1/31/22

Caption

Requires insurers to provide information about organ donation and allows insurers to limit reimbursement for organ transplant if recipient has not made gift pursuant to Revised Uniform Anatomical Gift Act.

Impact

The bill imposes certain requirements on various health insurers, including hospital service corporations, medical service corporations, health maintenance organizations, and the State Health Benefits Program. Insurers may mandate that policyholders aged 18 and older provide proof of registration as organ donors. Furthermore, insurers can restrict reimbursement for solid organ transplants for adults and emancipated minors who fail to provide such documentation. This provision could compel more individuals to register as organ donors proactively to avoid potential financial penalties associated with transplant procedures.

Summary

Senate Bill S1146 aims to enhance organ donation efforts in New Jersey by requiring specific health insurers to develop informational materials related to organ donation. These materials must educate policyholders about how to register as organ donors with the New Jersey Motor Vehicle Commission at each contract renewal. The bill reflects an ongoing public policy initiative in the state to encourage organ donation amid a significant shortage of available organs for transplant. It supports the ethic of reciprocity; individuals who accept organs are expected to contribute to the system by registering as donors themselves.

Contention

Concerns may arise regarding the fairness and ethical implications of tying insurance reimbursement to donor registration. Critics could argue that this policy places an additional burden on those requiring organ transplants, particularly if they have personal or philosophical objections to organ donation. There may also be debates surrounding individual freedom versus public health policy, as the bill's structure could be viewed as coercive in nature, potentially persuading individuals to become donors under the threat of increased medical costs.