New Jersey 2022-2023 Regular Session

New Jersey Senate Bill SCR28

Introduced
1/11/22  

Caption

Amends Constitution to prohibit denial of coverage by certain health insurers based on preexisting conditions.

Impact

If enacted, SCR28 would significantly alter the landscape of health insurance in New Jersey, preventing insurers from imposing exclusions on the basis of preexisting conditions. This constitutional amendment means that coverage denials based on previously existing health conditions will no longer be permissible for health insurers that the state regulates. The amendment applies to various types of health insurance carriers, such as insurance companies and health maintenance organizations, but notably excludes self-funded health benefit plans, which are governed by federal law.

Summary

SCR28, also known as the Senate Concurrent Resolution No. 28, is a proposed amendment to the New Jersey State Constitution that aims to prohibit health insurers from denying coverage based on preexisting conditions. This amendment specifically targets exclusions imposed by health insurance carriers, seeking to ensure that individuals cannot be denied benefits for health conditions that existed prior to obtaining insurance coverage. The bill highlights a commitment to safeguarding the rights of individuals seeking health insurance in New Jersey.

Contention

While proponents argue that SCR28 is a necessary step towards ensuring equitable healthcare access, opponents may raise concerns regarding the financial implications for health insurance providers. Critics might argue that eliminating preexisting condition exclusions could lead to increased premiums for all policyholders as insurers seek to manage their risk. There is also the possibility of debates concerning the scope of state regulation over insurance policies and whether this amendment could affect the operational landscape for health insurers within New Jersey.

Companion Bills

NJ ACR103

Same As Amends Constitution to prohibit denial of coverage by certain health insurers based on preexisting conditions.

Previously Filed As

NJ ACR113

Amends Constitution to prohibit denial of coverage by certain health insurers based on preexisting conditions.

NJ S0465

Prohibits a person from being denied life insurance for preexisting conditions or previous denials.

NJ SB174

Coverage of individuals with preexisting conditions and benefit limits under health plans.

NJ AB184

Coverage of individuals with preexisting conditions and benefit limits under health plans.

NJ SB0469

Insurance: health insurers; prohibition on denying or conditioning coverage of a Medicare supplement policy; expand. Amends sec. 3829 of 1956 PA 218 (MCL 500.3829).

NJ HB2744

Relating to exclusions of insurance coverage for veterinary services on the basis of a preexisting condition; prescribing an effective date.

NJ HB5204

Insurance: health insurers; prescription drug coverage for metastatic cancer; prohibit certain conditions. Amends 1956 PA 218 (MCL 500.100 - 500.8302) by adding sec. 3406rr.

NJ A5209

Requires health insurers to provide reason for denial of coverage for private duty nursing.

NJ A3150

"The New Jersey Healthcare Choice Act"; permits health insurers licensed in other states to provide coverage in New Jersey under certain circumstances.

NJ HJR157

Proposes a constitutional amendment prohibiting a statutory initiative measure approved by the voters to be amended or repealed by the General Assembly except under certain conditions

Similar Bills

LA HB472

(Constitutional Amendment) Revises Article VII of the Constitution of La. (OR -$139,000,000 GF RV See Note)

NJ ACR123

Proposes temporary constitutional amendment allowing State constitutional convention convened to reform system of property taxation to propose statutory changes.

NJ SCR75

Proposes temporary constitutional amendment allowing State constitutional convention convened to reform system of property taxation to propose statutory changes.

NJ SCR43

Proposes constitutional amendment authorizing Legislature to invalidate certain court decisions.

LA HB244

(Constitutional Amendment) Provides for the election of constitutional convention delegates and vote requirements necessary for the adoption of a new constitution (RR SEE FISC NOTE GF EX)

LA HB678

(Constitutional Amendment) Modifies disposition of certain state revenues through repeal of the Revenue Stabilization Trust Fund and deposits of certain revenue streams into the Budget Stabilization Fund (RRF INCREASE GF RV See Note)

LA HB473

(Constitutional Amendment) Provides relative to the application of state monies to the unfunded accrued liability of the Teachers' Retirement System of La. (EN DECREASE SD RV See Note)

HI SB1225

Proposing An Amendment To Article Xvii, Section 3 Of The Hawaii Constitution To Specify That The Standard For Voter Approval Of A Constitutional Amendment Proposed By The Legislature Is A Majority Of All The Votes Tallied Upon The Question.