Bill > S20

This bill, known as the "Out-of-network Consumer Protection, Transparency, Cost Containment and Accountability Act," aims to reform New Jersey's healthcare system by increasing transparency, protecting consumers from surprise medical bills, and controlling costs. Key provisions include requiring healthcare facilities and professionals to provide clear, upfront cost estimates and network status information to patients before non-emergency procedures, and mandating that health insurance carriers (entities that provide or pay for health coverage) disclose their provider networks. The bill establishes a Healthcare Price Index (HPI) to collect and analyze health care data, which will be used to determine a payment range for out-of-network emergency or inadvertent services, aiming to limit patient out-of-pocket expenses to what they would pay for in-network care. For disputes over out-of-network payments, the bill outlines a binding arbitration process. It also requires annual public reporting on arbitration outcomes, network coverage, and healthcare costs to promote informed decision-making by consumers and policymakers.