Bipartisan Measure Part of Assembly’s Legislative Response to COVID-19
To ensure that no New Jerseyan feels the need to delay diagnostic testing for the novel coronavirus (COVID-19) as order by their doctor, a measure to require health carriers and insurance plans, including Medicaid, to provide coverage for testing with no cost-sharing obligations was signed into law by the Governor on Friday.
The law, previously bill (A-3843), will also require coverage of telemedicine and telehealth services for the period of the emergency declared under Executive Order 103 of 2020.
Bipartisan sponsors, Assemblyman John McKeon (D-Essex, Morris), Assembly Republican Leader Jon Bramnick (R-Morris, Somerset, Union) and Annette Chaparro (D-Hudson), released the following joint statement:
“We need to be doing everything to protect public health and safety. There is a lot we cannot confirm about the trajectory of COVID-19, but increasing the accessibility of testing is the most critical first step. People should not be feeling the need to avoid medical care in New Jersey for fear of what it could cost them.
“Encouraged by the insurers already waiving co-pays for coronavirus testing, it’s imperative that every single New Jersey resident is afforded the same, equal access regardless of their insurance provider or plan.”
The law takes effect immediately. It was advanced by the full Assembly 64-0-1 on Monday March 16 and 34-0 by the Senate on Thursday March 19.