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TRENTON – A bill sponsored by Senators Joseph F. Vitale and Jim Whelan which would establish a three-year pilot program in the Department of Human Services in order to make sure Medicaid recipients have access to quality health care is now law.

“I am pleased to have helped lead the effort to create a new model of care in NJ, which will encourage partnerships between providers and the government to efficiently provide effective, high quality and cost effective care to New Jersey’s most vulnerable populations,” said Senator Vitale, D-Middlesex. “By using Medicaid to lead this effort, we hope to demonstrate to private insurance companies and employers that a more cost effective way to deliver services exists. Fortunately, with the support of private organizations like the Nicholson Foundation, New Jersey’s ACO pilot will serve as a national model.”

“Access to health care isn’t a privilege for the ultra-rich, but should be a right for all Americans, regardless of personal income or health insurance status,” said Senator Whelan, D-Atlantic. “As we live up to our responsibility of ensuring everyone has access to appropriate, affordable health care, we have to be open to exploring newer, more cost-efficient modes of providing that care. The ACO model will incorporate cost-efficiency standards, results-based review and objective metrics to not only track our progress, but build a better health care system for the future.”

TRENTON – A bill sponsored by Senators Joseph F. Vitale and Jim Whelan which would establish a three-year pilot program in the Department of Human Services in order to make sure Medicaid recipients have access to quality health care was approved by the Senate Wednesday by a vote of 29-9, receiving final legislative approval.

“While I disagree with the presumption by some that New Jersey cannot afford health benefits for the uninsured, I do agree that we can find better, more cost-effective ways to provide access to care,” said Senator Vitale, D-Middlesex. “Access to quality health care is a fundamental right, not a privilege, and this bill would maximize savings and cost efficiency by exploring new modes of care which save dollars and improve patient outcomes. This bill would move New Jersey away from inefficient, ineffective models of health care and towards a patient-centric system which treats the person, and not just the symptoms.”

TRENTON – A bill sponsored by Senators Joseph F. Vitale and Jim Whelan which would establish a three-year pilot program in the Department of Human Services in order to make sure Medicaid recipients have access to quality health care was approved by the Senate yesterday by a vote of 21-12.

“Our current health care system leaves Medicaid recipients at a disadvantage, and they are often unable to access the same high-quality, cost-effective health care services that people with health insurance take for granted,” said Senator Vitale, D-Middlesex, the Vice Chairman of the Senate Health, Human Services and Senior Citizens Committee. “As a result, we all pay more money for less-than-optimal results when it comes to positive patient outcomes for Medicaid recipients. It’s time that we move away from inefficient, ineffective models of health care, and invest in a health care system that helps vulnerable New Jerseyans access the care they need at a cost that makes sense for everyone.”

TRENTON – A bill sponsored by Senators Joseph F. Vitale and Jim Whelan which would establish a three-year pilot program in the Department of Human Services in order to make sure Medicaid recipients have access to quality health care was approved by the Senate Budget and Appropriations Committee today by a vote of 7-5.

“Under the current health care delivery and payment structure, Medicaid recipients are often unable to access high-quality, cost-effective health care,” said Senator Vitale, D-Middlesex, and Vice Chair of the Senate Health, Human Services and Senior Citizens Committee. “As a result, we pay more money for less-than-stellar results in terms of positive patient outcomes. It’s time that we move away from the existing system which puts vulnerable New Jerseyans at a disadvantage to receive high-quality care, and begin to invest State resources in a smarter, cost-effective model of health care for Medicaid enrollees.”