New Jersey Senate Bill S2558

New Jersey 2022-2023 Regular Session

• Introduced: 5/12/22
• Refer: 5/12/22
• Report Pass: 11/7/22
• Refer: 11/7/22

Caption

Excludes veterans' benefits from calculation of financial obligation for care at psychiatric facility.

Impact

If enacted, S2558 would provide veterans receiving benefits with greater financial security when accessing psychiatric care by ensuring that these benefits do not count against their income for cost determinations. This could lead to improved access to necessary treatment and possibly better health outcomes for veterans suffering from mental illness. The bill outlines a sliding scale fee schedule based on income, which will be adjusted to reflect this exclusion, potentially lowering the out-of-pocket costs for eligible individuals.

Summary

Senate Bill S2558, introduced in New Jersey, aims to amend existing financial obligations related to psychiatric care by excluding veterans' benefits from the income calculation used to determine a patient's responsibility for care costs in psychiatric facilities. This bill specifically targets the provisions of R.S.30:4-60, which outlines the financial responsibilities of individuals and their families when they require care in state or county psychiatric hospitals. The purpose is to alleviate some of the financial burdens on veterans who may already be facing challenges due to their mental health needs.

Contention

Debates around S2558 may emerge regarding the implications of excluding veterans' benefits. Supporters are likely to argue that this is a much-needed recognition of the sacrifices made by veterans and a necessary step toward ensuring they receive fair treatment without financial penalties that could hinder their access to care. Critics, however, may express concerns about the potential implications for funding psychiatric services and whether such exclusions might divert resources or create inequality in the treatment of other groups needing mental health services.