New Jersey Healthcare Costs Among Highest in Nation; State Efforts to Help

Healthcare costs in New Jersey are among the highest nationwide, reports New Jersey Advance Media. The New Jersey Health Care Affordability, Responsibility and Transparency Program released a report demonstrating that spending for insured adults averaged $659 per month in 2021 – 15% above the national average. A 2022 survey by the Healthcare Value Hub found that nearly 60% of New Jerseyans faced healthcare affordability challenges, and 85% were concerned about future costs. The state has responded by enacting three laws to reduce prescription drug costs and recently passed the Louisa Carman Medical Debt Relief Act to help families avoid medical debt and protect individuals from predatory medical debt collectors.