NJ senate committee approves healthcare reform education bill

On Monday, the New Jersey Senate Budget and Appropriations Committee approved a bill that would mandate the establishment of a public awareness initiative to educate residents about the state’s insurance benefits exchange.

PolitickerNJ explained the bill is sponsored by Sen. Nia Gill, who has expressed a commitment to help New Jersey residents access the information they need about healthcare reform. Under the Affordable Care Act, uninsured individuals and employers will be able to enroll in their state’s healthcare marketplaces beginning October 1. The exchanges are set to open January 1, 2014.

“With the enrollment date coming upon us quickly, we have to make sure that the general public is well aware of the benefits available and the procedures they must follow to access them,” said Gill.

She explained a statewide awareness campaign is necessary to guarantee New Jersey residents understand their options.

Under the terms of the bill, the commissioner of the Department of Banking and Insurance would be required to establish an initiative open to the public that disperse information about healthcare eligibility and enrollment procedures. In addition, the DBOI would have to create a website and provide links to relevant, reputable resources.