Healthcare (Hospitals)

This bill exempts specialty heart hospitals from paying a 0.53% assessment on their total operating revenue, provided they certify to the Department of Health and Banking and Insurance that they waive direct billing for patient services. The exemption applies specifically to hospitals certified as specialty heart facilities under New Jersey law. Funds collected from the assessment otherwise support the Health Care Subsidy Fund, which finances federally qualified health centers, charity care programs, and other state health initiatives. The policy change directly affects specialty heart hospitals seeking relief from this mandatory payment.