U.S. Rep. Bill Pascrell, Jr. (D-NJ-09) today celebrated the Biden administration’s approval of seven New Jersey counties to implement hospital pilot programs, coming weeks after Pascrell led state delegation members calling for approval of the projects in the Garden State. These New Jersey hospitals in Atlantic, Camden, Essex, Hudson, Mercer, Middlesex, and Passaic counties will reap an estimated $375 million annually through the pilot programs.

“As the pandemic continues to linger unvanquished, our hospitals demand all the help they can get, particularly for our impoverished communities and neighbors,” said Rep. Pascrell. “Just a few weeks ago, members of the New Jersey delegation called on the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services to step up and they have stepped up. This pilot program will channel hundreds of millions of dollars into New Jersey. Lives will be saved by this action. I applaud the Biden administration for coming through for Garden State communities.”

On June 9, 2021, Rep. Pascrell led seven members of the New Jersey congressional delegation urging the Biden government to approve the hospital pilot programs. “We urge the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) to promptly review and consider the preprint applications for New Jersey to implement Medicaid directed payment programs in seven counties under 42 CFR § 438.6(c). It is our sincere hope that CMS will recognize the urgency of approving this program promptly particularly in light of the critical assistance it will provide to hospitals throughout the State of New Jersey as they continue to provide access to care and lifesaving services during these unprecedented times,” the members wrote.

The Hospital Alliance of New Jersey (HANJ) CEO Suzanne Ianni hailed the approval of these hospital pilots in New Jersey, saying: “This week’s news is a critical milestone in bolstering New Jersey’s Medicaid program to ensure access to quality healthcare for all.  The County Option Hospital Fee Pilot Program will bring in millions of vital healthcare dollars annually to benefit critically vulnerable populations. Hospital Alliance remains very grateful to Congressman Pascrell and members of our congressional delegation for their continued recognition of the important role safety net hospitals play in protecting the health of our communities.  We greatly appreciate the delegation’s support of this innovative step toward a healthier and more sustainable Medicaid program for New Jersey hospitals and the people they serve.”

The June 9 letter to Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) Administrator Chiquita Brooks-LaSure was signed by Reps. Pascrell, Donald Payne, Jr. (D-NJ-10), Jeff Van Drew (R-NJ-02), Donald Norcross (D-NJ-01), Albio Sires (D-NJ-08), Bonnie Watson Coleman (D-NJ-12), Mikie Sherrill (D-NJ-11), and Tom Malinowski (D-NJ-07).