This bill establishes the Health Equity Access and Leadership (HEAL) Fund as a separate non-lapsing account within the existing Health Care Subsidy Fund (HCSF). The HCSF, which is funded through various state taxes, will now allocate a portion of its revenues to support the HEAL Fund, alongside a $25 million appropriation from the General Fund. The HEAL Fund is designed to provide competitive grants to community-based health care organizations and service providers that serve underserved or underinsured populations, particularly those who have experienced reduced access to care due to significant funding losses. The grants will be available to all patients regardless of various demographic factors, and applicants must not have received federal funding in the 12 months prior to applying.

The Commissioner of Health will oversee the distribution of funds from the HEAL Fund, establishing eligibility criteria and a competitive grant process. The bill mandates that the HEAL Fund receive annual allocations equal to at least 0.1 percent of the projected revenue for the HCSF, ensuring a consistent funding stream. Additionally, the Commissioner is required to submit an annual report detailing the fund's receipts, expenditures, geographic service distribution, and outcomes related to healthcare access and equity. This initiative aims to enhance health care access and equity for vulnerable populations in New Jersey.

Statutes affected:
Introduced: 26:2H-18.58