"Illegal Alien Healthcare Transparency Act"; requires health care facilities to inquire and report on immigration status of patients and to report certain costs of care.
Impact
The act aims to fill a gap in the data collected on healthcare utilization by illegal aliens. While some information exists concerning emergency services, A4735 intends to provide a more comprehensive view of the fiscal impact of illegal immigrants on the state's healthcare system. Assemblyman Paul Kanitra, the bill's sponsor, believes that compiling such data will enable New Jersey to better assess the overall expenses related to services provided to illegal aliens, thereby fostering informed policy decisions regarding resource allocation and health services.
Summary
Assembly Bill A4735, titled the "Illegal Alien Healthcare Transparency Act," mandates that health care facilities in New Jersey inquire about the immigration status of their patients. The bill seeks to enhance transparency regarding the costs associated with the healthcare services provided to individuals identified as illegal aliens. Health care facilities will be required to submit monthly reports to the Department of Health, detailing the citizenship status of patients as well as the costs incurred for care delivered to illegal aliens. These reports will be anonymized and published, allowing for public access to the information without revealing personal patient data.
Contention
Opposition to this bill is likely to arise around concerns of privacy and the implications of inquiring about patients' immigration status. Critics argue that such measures could deter individuals from seeking necessary healthcare services due to fear of legal repercussions. Additionally, the provision that makes it a fourth-degree crime for patients to provide false information about their citizenship status may raise concerns regarding the fairness and enforcement of such penalties. Proponents contend that the accountability brought by this transparency measure is essential for effective state health policy, though the legislation may broaden the discourse around immigration and healthcare access.
Creates Health Care Cost Containment and Price Transparency Commission, Office of Healthcare Affordability and Transparency, and hospital price transparency regulations.
Creates Health Care Cost Containment and Price Transparency Commission, Office of Healthcare Affordability and Transparency, and hospital price transparency regulations; appropriates $5 million.