NJ A6004

Establishes the Health Equity Access and Leadership (HEAL) Fund as a non-lapsing dedicated account within the Health Care Subsidy Fund to support health care organizations serving underserved populations

Appropriates $25 million from the General Fund as initial funding, plus requires annual allocations of at least 0.1% of Health Care Subsidy Fund projected revenues (approximately $2 million in FY2026)

Distributes funds through competitive grants to community-based health care organizations that serve underinsured populations affected by loss of State or federal funding and have not received federal funding in the prior 12 months

Grant recipients must provide services to all patients regardless of immigration status, race, age, gender identity, disability, and other protected characteristics

Requires the Commissioner of Health to submit annual reports to the Governor and Legislature detailing fund activity, grant awards, geographic distribution of services, patient outcomes, and recommendations for continued support