Singer: New Bill Will Better Reveal Treatment Costs to Patients

Statement as released by the office of Sen. Robert Singer:

The full Senate unanimously approved Thursday Senator Robert Singer’s bill to require hospitals in New Jersey to notify observation patients of potential out-of-pocket costs.

“When people are hospital observation patients and not considered ‘inpatients,’ their insurance plans may not cover prescriptions,” said Singer (R-Monmouth, Ocean). “Many observation patients suffer from chronic conditions, such as diabetes, high blood pressure or high cholesterol, and their unforeseen out-of-pocket hospital expenses can be crippling burdens.”

Singer’s S-2045 requires that general hospitals licensed in this state provide advanced written notice to patients admitted for observation, advising the patient of possible out-of-pocket costs for prescriptions and other expenses.

 “This common-sense initiative also allows patients, when feasible, to use their own maintenance medication for chronic conditions,” Singer added. “I urge the Assembly to immediately adopt this measure for to protect a vast population of vulnerable New Jerseyans.”