Bill aims to block HMO cuts in NJ Medicaid reimbursements

A state Senate committee has moved to set up roadblocks in the face of reimbursement cuts planned by HMOs that oversee New Jersey's Medicaid program. Often-emotional testimony by healthcare providers and workers helped convince the Senate Health, Human Services and Senior Citizens Committee that cuts by Horizon NJ Health and the other HMOs would hit services for the frail elderly, children with disabilities and other vulnerable populations. The committee already was inclined to act as its chairman, Sen. Joseph Vitale (D-Middlesex) sponsored legislation—S2241—with Sen. Loretta Weinberg (D-Bergen) to require state administrative approval before the HMOs can lower reimbursements.