New Jersey 2022-2023 Regular Session

New Jersey Senate Bill SR44

Introduced
2/3/22  

Caption

Urges health insurance providers and prescription drug providers to offer option of speaking to or leaving message for human.

Impact

If adopted, SR44 would influence state regulations regarding the operations of health insurance and prescription drug providers, pushing them towards more consumer-friendly practices. By encouraging these entities to implement a uniform method for human contact, the resolution advocates for a shift away from purely automated systems. This could enhance accessibility for vulnerable populations who struggle with complex automated services, thereby fostering better interactions between consumers and service providers.

Summary

Senate Resolution No. 44, introduced in New Jersey, aims to urge health insurance providers and prescription drug companies to allow individuals the option of speaking to or leaving a message for a human representative when they call. This resolution highlights the growing reliance on automated telephone answering services, which often complicate communication for consumers, particularly for senior citizens and individuals with hearing impairments. As these systems can be difficult to navigate, the resolution seeks to address accessibility issues and improve customer experience.

Contention

Despite the resolution's intent to improve consumer access, there may be concerns about the feasibility and implications for health providers. Some may argue that mandating a human contact option could increase operational costs for insurers and providers, possibly leading to longer wait times or decreased efficiency in handling queries. Additionally, critics might contend that not all issues require a human agent, suggesting that automation can streamline certain processes. However, proponents maintain that the benefits of ensuring direct human interaction outweigh these concerns.

Companion Bills

No companion bills found.

Previously Filed As

NJ SR29

Urges health insurance providers and prescription drug providers to offer option of speaking to or leaving message for human.

NJ S208

Allows person calling certain State or local government entities to have option of speaking or leaving a recorded message with a human telephone operator during normal business hours.

NJ S536

Allows person calling certain State or local government entities to have option of speaking or leaving a recorded message with a human telephone operator during normal business hours.

NJ A451

Allows person calling certain State or local government entities to have option of speaking or leaving recorded message with human telephone operator during normal business hours.

NJ A3076

Allows person calling certain State or local government entities to have option of speaking or leaving recorded message with human telephone operator during normal business hours.

NJ SB2031

Health insurance carriers; require to cap patient cost for prescriptions for insulin drugs.

NJ SB2223

Health insurance carriers; require to cap patient cost for prescriptions for insulin drugs.

NJ SB2027

Health insurance carriers; require to cap patient cost for prescriptions for insulin drugs.

NJ SR18

Urges Biden Administration to lift regulatory freeze on executive orders designed to reduce cost of life-saving prescription drugs for Americans.

NJ SR27

Urges Biden Administration to lift regulatory freeze on executive orders designed to reduce cost of life-saving prescription drugs for Americans.

Similar Bills

NJ SR29

Urges health insurance providers and prescription drug providers to offer option of speaking to or leaving message for human.

NJ S4156

Requires Department of Health to provide information to Statewide 2-1-1 telephone system regarding the location of safe disposal sites for hypodermic syringes and needles and prescription drugs.

TX HB2766

Relating to electronic and other controlled substance prescriptions under the Texas Controlled Substances Act; authorizing a fee.

NJ A4337

Requires Department of Health to provide information to Statewide 2-1-1 telephone system regarding the location of safe disposal sites for hypodermic syringes and needles and prescription drugs.

NJ A1866

Requires Department of Health to provide information to Statewide 2-1-1 telephone system regarding the location of safe disposal sites for hypodermic syringes and needles and prescription drugs.

NJ S1325

Prohibits pharmacies from charging additional fee for processing prescriptions transmitted by telephone or electronic means.

NJ S1213

Prohibits pharmacies from charging additional fee for processing prescriptions transmitted by telephone or electronic means.

NJ A4545

Prohibits pharmacies from charging additional fee for processing prescriptions transmitted by telephone or electronic means.