Health, Human Services and Senior Citizens

This bill requires all health insurance plans in New Jersey to cover recommended childhood immunizations without requiring cost sharing (such as copays or deductibles). It changes the requirement from covering immunizations recommended by the CDC's Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices to covering immunizations recommended by the New Jersey Department of Health. The Department of Health must make these recommendations consistent with input from major medical associations including the American Medical Association and American Academy of Pediatrics. The coverage applies to all types of health insurance plans, including hospital, medical, and health maintenance organization plans, and requires insurers to notify subscribers of any changes in coverage.

This bill expands New Jersey pharmacy staff authority to administer vaccines. It allows pharmacists, pharmacy interns, externs, and technicians to give COVID-19 and influenza vaccines to patients aged 5 and older (lowering the previous age limit from 7), with parental permission required for those under 18. Staff must work under a licensed pharmacist's direct supervision and report all vaccinations to the state immunization system. The law directly affects pharmacy workers and patients seeking vaccines without a doctor's appointment.

S 1981 (New Jersey Senate Bill) expands who can administer flu and COVID-19 vaccines at pharmacies. It permits pharmacists, pharmacy interns, externs, and technicians to give these vaccines to patients aged 5 and older (with parental consent for those under 18), under specific conditions. Key provisions require staff to be properly trained, work under a licensed pharmacist's direct supervision, and report all vaccinations to the state immunization system. This bill directly affects pharmacy staff and patients seeking convenient vaccine access without a separate doctor’s appointment.

This bill clarifies the maximum fee a participating county can impose on hospitals under New Jersey's County Option Hospital Fee Program. It specifies that fees cannot exceed the federal cap (42 C.F.R. §433.68(f)(3)) minus one percent of a hospital's total net patient revenues, replacing previous ambiguous language about a "cap as determined." The bill directly affects hospitals in counties participating in the program, which use these fees to support services for low-income residents through Medicaid. It removes confusion about fee limits while maintaining the commissioner's role in reviewing and approving fee plans. The changes ensure fees comply with federal Medicaid requirements without altering the program's core purpose.

Substituted by A4105 (2R)