NEW JERSEY: In the final days of the 2009 session, the legislature passed a bill requiring managed care organizations to remit direct payments to out-of-network providers. Aetna, along with the business community, trade unions and other health plans, unsuccessfully opposed this legislation. Despite this setback, the chairman and members of the committee found arguments concerning egregious out-of-network reimbursement and network deterioration sufficiently compelling to commit to drafting legislation addressing this issue in the 2010 session. 

The legislation was amended to delay its effective date for 12 months and provide carriers the option of issuing a check requiring dual endorsement. Also, the Assembly took up legislation requiring ambulatory surgical centers to report clinical and financial data to the state. Similar legislation passed unanimously in the Senate.

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