Bill Text: NJ A5575 | 2018-2019 | Regular Session | Introduced


Bill Title: Makes annual appropriation of $425,000 for financial assistance program for persons with cystic fibrosis.

Spectrum: Partisan Bill (Republican 1-0)

Status: (Introduced - Dead) 2019-06-13 - Introduced, Referred to Assembly Health and Senior Services Committee [A5575 Detail]

Download: New_Jersey-2018-A5575-Introduced.html

ASSEMBLY, No. 5575

STATE OF NEW JERSEY

218th LEGISLATURE

 

INTRODUCED JUNE 13, 2019

 


 

Sponsored by:

Assemblyman  RONALD S. DANCER

District 12 (Burlington, Middlesex, Monmouth and Ocean)

 

 

 

 

SYNOPSIS

     Makes annual appropriation of $425,000 for financial assistance program for persons with cystic fibrosis.

 

CURRENT VERSION OF TEXT

     As introduced.

 


An Act concerning funding for persons with cystic fibrosis, amending P.L.1989, c.270, and making an appropriation.

 

     Be It Enacted by the Senate and General Assembly of the State of New Jersey:

 

     1.    Section 2 of P.L.1989, c.270 (C.26:2O-1) is amended to read as follows:

     2.    a.  The Commissioner of Health shall establish a program of financial assistance for persons with cystic fibrosis to meet the expenses of: supplemental, nutritious foods; prescription drugs and medical supplies and equipment that are necessary for the treatment of cystic fibrosis; and certain health insurance costs. 

     The commissioner shall contract on an annual basis with a nonprofit organization in New Jersey which has experience in providing financial assistance and direct services to persons with cystic fibrosis, to administer the program.

     b.    There shall be appropriated each fiscal year from the General Fund to the Department of Health the sum of $425,000 for the purposes of fulfilling the provisions of subsection a. of this section. 

(cf:  P.L. 1989, c.270, s.2.)

 

     2.    This act shall take effect immediately.

 

 

STATEMENT

 

     This bill makes an annual appropriation of $425,000 for the financial assistance program for persons with cystic fibrosis, as established by the Department of Health.  Cystic fibrosis is a progressive, genetic disease that causes persistent lung infections and limits the ability to breathe over time.

     Under current law, the department is required to contract with a nonprofit organization in New Jersey which has experience in providing financial assistance and direct services to persons with cystic fibrosis to administer a program of financial assistance for persons with this genetic disease. 

     In FY 2019, the DOH granted the New Jersey State Organization of Cystic Fibrosis (NJSOCF) $368,148 pursuant to this law.  With these State funds, the NJSOCF addresses such needs of persons living with cystic fibrosis as purchasing prescription medications, medical equipment and supplies; providing reimbursements for insurance deductibles; supplying nutritious foods, vitamins, and supplements for weight gain; and arranging referrals to clinics. In addition, the program assists participants with expenses related to lung transplant surgery.

     Under the bill, $425,000 would be appropriated each fiscal year from the General Fund to the Department of Health for the purposes of fulfilling the provisions of the existing financial assistance program for persons with cystic fibrosis.

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