NJ A5912

Creates the New Jersey Public Option Health Care Program in the Department of Health to provide comprehensive health insurance coverage available to all State residents regardless of immigration status, competing with private insurers in the marketplace

Establishes a 20-member New Jersey Public Option Health Care Board including the Commissioners of Health and Banking and Insurance, the State Treasurer, 11 Governor-appointed members representing healthcare providers, consumer advocates, hospitals, and organized labor, plus 6 legislative appointees

Requires coverage to include all health care services provided under NJ FamilyCare, Medicaid, Medicare, and the State's Individual and Small Employer Health Benefits Programs, with premiums set at the lowest possible cost to make the program viable

Mandates that any healthcare provider qualified to participate in Medicaid, NJ FamilyCare, or Medicare is automatically qualified to participate in the program, with the program required to negotiate in good faith with providers on payment rates

Creates the New Jersey Public Option Health Care Trust Fund in the Department of Treasury to collect premiums, federal waiver payments, and state appropriations to support the program's operations