Senate Advances Singleton, Corrado Bill to Permit Health Care Professionals to Waive Copayments for Military Members

Trenton – A bill sponsored by Senator Troy Singleton and Senator Kristin M. Corrado, which would permit certain healthcare professionals to waive copayments, advanced from the Senate today.

The bill, S-2968, would supplement the Health Care Quality Act and permit a primary care physician or an advanced practicing nurse to waive the health insurance copayments of active duty military members when they receive a service covered under a health benefits plan.

“The members of our military sacrifice so much in their lives to ensure that we are safe here at home,” said Senator Singleton (D-Burlington).  “Waiving health insurance copayments for those currently serving active duty is a simple courtesy and a thank you that reflects our appreciation for the service they provide our nation.”

“Our active-duty military members should be able to easily afford health insurance copayments for themselves and their families,” said Senator Corrado (R-Bergen/Essex/Morris/Passaic). “We owe it to these brave men and women to provide the best medical care possible, at a reasonable cost. Waiving health insurance copayments is a small gesture to thank our active-duty personnel for their service to our country.”

The bill would take effect on the 90^th day after enactment and would apply to new health benefits recipients or renewed plans on or after the effective date of enactment.

The bill was released from the Senate by a vote of 35-0.