Lopez, Pinkin & Freiman Bill to Extend Coverage of COVID-19 Testing and Care Delivered via Telehealth and Telemedicine Clears Committee

(TRENTON) – The Assembly Health Committee advanced a measure (A-4215) Tuesday to enable provisions of legislation (A-3843 and A-3860) – concerning coverage of COVID-19 testing and telehealth and telemedicine care – to remain in effect for 90 days after the declared state of emergency and public health emergency end.

Sponsors of the bill, Assembly Democrats Yvonne Lopez (D-Middlesex), Nancy Pinkin (D-Middlesex) and Roy Freiman (D- Hunterdon, Mercer, Middlesex and Somerset) issued the following joint statement:

“As New Jersey gradually reopens, we are reminded that the novel coronavirus still poses a significant risk to public health. With that in mind, to mitigate future spread, the State’s strategy has been to look toward a ‘new normal’, one that relies heavily on access to testing and remote delivery of healthcare.

“Prior legislation set out to make testing as well as telehealth and telemedicine universally accessible, but only accounted for its need during the period of declared emergency. This legislation takes a critical step to ensure testing and care can remain safe and affordable beyond this point. It functions to provide crucial time to assess the continuing role of policy in these areas.”

The measure would require the Commissioner of Human Services to receive federal approval for State plan amendments or waivers prior to provisions of the bill being implemented.

It now goes to the Speaker for further consideration.