One of the casualties of the prolonged budget debate was passage of out-of-network health insurance reform—legislation that would rein in the surprise medical bills patients receive after using an out-of-network provider, often unknowingly.
As Lilo Stanton reported in NJ Spotlight, a revised version of the controversial measure was ready for a vote, but did not have enough supporters on hand to get it through the Senate. Legislators will probably not meet again until after the November elections, so the bill is on hold for now.
NJBIA supports the out-of-network reform plan, viewing it as essential to reining in the high cost of health insurance now faced by small businesses. Mary Beaumont, NJBIA vice president for Health and Legal Affairs, urged lawmakers to adopt the measure last week.
“We need a plan that provides transparency and cost containment,” she said. “We believe this bill delivers on both counts.”
