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NJ ACR118
NJ ACR118Amends Constitution to prohibit denial of coverage by certain health insurers based on preexisting conditions.
summary
Introduced
02/12/2024
02/12/2024
In Committee
02/12/2024
02/12/2024
Crossed Over
Passed
Dead
01/12/2026
01/12/2026
Introduced Session
2024-2025 Regular Session
Bill Summary
This amendment to the Constitution prohibits health insurers from denying benefits because of a preexisting condition. A preexisting condition is a health condition that existed before the person was insured. The amendment only applies to health insurers that the State may regulate. As used in the amendment, "health insurance carrier" means an entity that contracts or offers to contract to provide, deliver, arrange for, pay for, or reimburse any of the costs of health care services under a health benefits plan issued in this State, including: an insurance company authorized to issue health benefits plans; a health maintenance organization; a health, hospital, or medical service corporation; a multiple employer welfare arrangement; or the State Health Benefits Program and the School Employees' Health Benefits Program. "Carrier" does not include an entity providing or administering a self-funded health benefits plan. The amendment applies only to health benefits that the State has authority to regulate - insured health benefits plans offered by private carriers and the two State health benefits programs. Self-funded health benefits plans, which are governed exclusively by federal law pursuant to the "Employee Retirement Income Security Act of 1974," are not covered by the amendment.
AI Summary
This joint resolution proposes an amendment to the New Jersey State Constitution that would prohibit health insurance carriers from denying or excluding coverage based on preexisting conditions. The resolution defines a preexisting condition as a health condition that existed before the effective date of insurance coverage, and an exclusion of benefits as any limitation or denial of coverage due to such a condition. The amendment specifically applies to health insurance carriers operating in New Jersey, including insurance companies, health maintenance organizations, medical service corporations, and state health benefits programs. Importantly, the resolution excludes self-funded health benefits plans, which are governed by federal law. If approved, the proposed constitutional amendment would be submitted to voters at the next general election, with ballot language explaining that the amendment prevents health insurers regulated by the state from denying benefits due to prior health conditions. The resolution aims to provide greater protection for individuals with preexisting health conditions by ensuring they cannot be denied health insurance coverage.
Committee Categories
Business and Industry
Sponsors (1)
Last Action
Introduced, Referred to Assembly Financial Institutions and Insurance Committee (on 02/12/2024)
Official Document
bill text
bill summary
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bill summary
| Document Type | Source Location |
|---|---|
| State Bill Page | https://www.njleg.state.nj.us/bill-search/2024/ACR118 |
| BillText | https://pub.njleg.gov/Bills/2024/ACR/118_I1.HTM |
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