Understanding Medical Bills in New Jersey Just Got Easier

The recent introduction of new legislation could clear many residents' medical bills and help eliminate their worries. Bill A3860, a measure that would require healthcare providers to produce more comprehensive billing statements, recently cleared the Assembly Financial Institutions and Insurance Committee. Sponsored by Assemblywoman Verlina Reynolds-Jackson and Assemblymen Wayne DeAngelo and Anthony Verrelli, the bill seeks to increase consumer protections by ensuring patients receive detailed information about their medical expenses.

Despite many Americans having some form of health insurance, medical debt is still a persistent issue totaling more than $220 billion dollars throughout the country. New Jersey is making strides to equip residents with the understanding they need to make informed choices about their medical expenses. 

“This bill is a crucial step in ensuring that patients are fully informed about the costs of their healthcare services,” said Assemblywoman Reynolds-Jackson (D-Mercer, Hunterdon). “A3860 would provide countless New Jersey residents with access to clear and detailed billing, which is essential for protecting consumers and helping them make informed financial decisions.”

Under this legislation, a healthcare provider would be required to deliver an itemized statement outlining specific charges within 30 days of a claim being adjudicated by a carrier, or within seven days of receiving a written request. Additionally, the statements would need to be written in plain language, making it easy for the average person to understand, and would have to avoid using language such as “miscellaneous charges,” “supply charges,” and/or “other charges.” Healthcare providers would also be forbidden from using drug code numbers on billing statements without also providing the corresponding brand name or generic name for each drug code number.

“By making billing more transparent and understandable, we are helping patients avoid confusion and stress after receiving care,” said Assemblyman Verrelli (D-Mercer, Hunterdon). “This bill will go a long way in supporting patients’ well-being and trust in our healthcare system.”

In the event a patient needs to contest anything within their state, the bill would ensure that healthcare providers display contact information for dispute resolution, as well as information regarding available financial assistance such as reduced-cost programs.

“Not everyone is a doctor, and because of that, New Jersey residents shouldn’t be expected to understand the complex language that currently exists in their medical bills,” said Assemblyman DeAngelo (D-Mercer, Middlesex). “This legislation ensures that patients are empowered regarding their healthcare financial matters by providing them with access to clear, easy-to-understand information.”

(This story was produced as part of the Center for Cooperative Media at Montclair State University's South Jersey Information Equity Project fellowship and supported with funding from the Independence Public Media Foundation, the Geraldine R. Dodge Foundation, and the NJ Civic Information Consortium.)

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