New Jersey Senate Bill S1265

New Jersey 2022-2023 Regular Session

• Introduced: 2/3/22
• Refer: 2/3/22

Caption

Requires assessment following reorganization of health service corporation to be used to award grants to certain health care entities.

Impact

The legislation requires the creation of a commission that will oversee the distribution of these funds. Specifically, it mandates that a minimum of $100 million is allocated to county health boards for purposes such as expansion and organizational reconfiguration. The funds are to be deployed in a special account within the state’s General Fund, and the program is expected to benefit nonprofit or state-run healthcare facilities, including dental groups. This structure is intended to promote improved health service delivery across New Jersey, especially in underserved areas.

Summary

Senate Bill S1265 is designed to require that the initial assessment collected following the reorganization of a health service corporation be allocated for granting funds to certain healthcare entities. This bill arises in the context of health service corporations, specifically focusing on Horizon Blue Cross Blue Shield of New Jersey, which is the sole corporation of this type in the state. The legislation stipulates that this reorganization must comply with existing laws, notably those involving mutual holding companies which continue to provide health insurance post-reorganization. The central aim of the bill is to enhance the use of funding derived from this assessment to benefit health care services available to the public.

Contention

One point of contention surrounding S1265 is the financial implications of reallocating the initial assessment funds. Opponents may argue that while the bill proposes beneficial funding for healthcare entities, it potentially diverts essential resources away from other crucial areas within state budgets or healthcare provisions. Moreover, the composition of the commission and the process of appointing its members could raise concerns about political influences and the effectiveness of oversight on grant distributions. The process also raises questions about transparency and adequate checks in ensuring that the funding effectively promotes local health services.