The New Jersey Public Option Health Care Act aims to create a comprehensive health insurance program that is accessible to all residents of New Jersey, addressing the challenges of rising health care costs and inadequate coverage. The act emphasizes the right to health care and establishes a public option that will compete with private insurance, ensuring affordable and comprehensive services. The Department of Health is responsible for developing the New Jersey Public Option Health Care Program, which will encompass a variety of health care services and providers, funded through federal waivers and state resources.

To oversee the implementation of this program, the act establishes the New Jersey Public Option Health Care Board, which will include stakeholders such as health care consumer advocates, professionals, and representatives from hospitals and labor organizations. The board will advise the Commissioner of Health, who will work alongside the Commissioner of Banking and Insurance to ensure the program meets the needs of residents, particularly those with low to moderate incomes. Additionally, the act creates the New Jersey Public Option Health Care Trust Fund, a nonlapsing revolving fund managed by the State Treasurer, to support the program through collected premiums, federal payments, and state appropriations. The Commissioner of Health will also determine premiums and charges for program members, while ensuring patient confidentiality and establishing qualifications for health care providers participating in the program.