The bill amends Section 2 and Section 3 of P.L.2018, c.136, which pertains to "The County Option Hospital Fee Pilot Program Act." It clarifies definitions related to the program, including terms such as "Commissioner," "Department," "Fee," "Hospital," "Medicaid program," "Participating county," "Program," and "Proposed fee and expenditure report." Notably, it specifies the criteria for a participating county, including population thresholds and municipal classifications, and outlines the requirements for a proposed fee and expenditure report that counties must submit to the Commissioner of Human Services.

Additionally, the bill establishes the County Option Hospital Fee Program within the Department of Human Services, aimed at increasing financial resources for local hospitals through the Medicaid program. It allows participating counties to impose a local healthcare-related fee on hospitals, subject to approval by the Commissioner. The bill also includes provisions for the collection of fees, exemptions for certain hospitals, and stipulates that neither the state nor participating counties will be liable for unpaid fees. Furthermore, it mandates that hospitals exceeding their specific disproportionate share limits due to these payments may be liable to reimburse the state for excess funds. The act is set to take effect immediately upon approval.

Statutes affected:
Introduced: 30:4D-7
Advance Law: 30:4D-7
Pamphlet Law: 30:4D-7