The Fair Access to Health Care Networks Act aims to enhance patient access to health care services in New Jersey by requiring insurance carriers to accept all state-licensed health care facilities and provider entities into their networks upon application, provided they are in good standing. The bill defines "carrier" to include various types of health insurance providers and mandates that these carriers reimburse participating facilities at a minimum of 200 percent of the applicable Medicare reimbursement rate, unless a different rate is agreed upon. Additionally, the bill prohibits carriers from excluding providers based on ownership structure, size, or affiliation with hospital systems, thereby promoting equity and competition in the health care market.

To ensure compliance, the Department of Banking and Insurance will oversee the implementation of this act, which is supported by a $2 million appropriation from the General Fund. Carriers found in violation of the act may face civil penalties of up to $25,000 per violation and could also face further sanctions, including the suspension or revocation of their licenses. The bill also provides a mechanism for health care facilities and provider entities to appeal exclusion decisions or rate-setting through an expedited hearing process. This legislation is designed to improve patient choice and access to local care while supporting smaller, cost-effective providers in the health care system.