Gov. Murphy signs package of bills to expand health care access, lower costs in New Jersey
TRENTON, N.J. — Gov. Phil Murphy on Friday signed a package of four bills aimed at making health care more accessible and affordable for New Jersey residents, expanding coverage for prescription medications, strengthening consumer protections and bolstering the state’s health care workforce.
The legislation, signed Jan. 9, is designed to streamline access to critical health services and medications while addressing long-standing gaps in coverage, including HIV prevention, menopause treatment and workforce shortages.
“When people cannot access health care, small problems can turn into debilitating crises. That is why my Administration has spent the past eight years laser focused on expanding access to critical health care services – and making those services more affordable so our residents don’t have to choose between seeking out care and paying their bills,” Murphy said. “Today, we are building on our efforts to reinvent our health care system. With these bill signings, we are breaking down barriers that prevent New Jerseyans from accessing affordable health care services and prescription medications, including for menopause treatment and HIV prophylaxis, along with bolstering our physician assistant workforce.”
The first bill authorizes pharmacists to dispense HIV preexposure and postexposure prophylaxis, commonly known as PrEP and PEP, without an individual prescription. It also requires health benefit plans, including Medicaid and state employee plans, to cover the medications. Murphy’s administration has prioritized ending the HIV epidemic in New Jersey, where about 1,000 new cases are reported each year.
“New Jersey is removing unnecessary barriers to HIV prevention and meeting people where they are,” said Sen. Vin Gopal. “Allowing trained pharmacists to dispense PrEP and PEP without an individual prescription expands timely access to life-saving care, especially for communities that have historically faced stigma or limited access to health providers.”
Sen. John McKeon said the measure ensures prevention is treated with urgency, while Assembly sponsors emphasized timely and stigma-free access to medication.
The second bill bans the use of copay accumulator programs, a practice that prevents manufacturer assistance from counting toward a patient’s out-of-pocket costs. State officials said the change will help patients with chronic and complex conditions better afford necessary medications.
“For patients who depend on copay assistance, the savings from the prescription coupons can be the difference in their ability to afford medications that are vital to their health,” said Senate President Nick Scutari. “The savings should go to the consumers, not the insurance companies and PBMs.”
Supporters said the bill builds on previous efforts to cap costs for insulin, asthma inhalers, epinephrine and hearing aids.
The third measure, known as the New Jersey Menopause Coverage Act, requires insurers to cover medically necessary perimenopause and menopause treatments, including hormonal and non-hormonal therapies, pelvic floor physical therapy, bone health care and patient education.
“For too long, menopause has been treated as a private burden rather than a public health issue,” said Assemblywoman Heather Simmons. “This legislation sends a clear message. Your symptoms are real. Your health matters. New Jersey is stepping up.”
Lawmakers said the bill addresses a long-overlooked area of women’s health and removes cost barriers that can delay treatment.
The fourth bill enters New Jersey into the Interstate Physician Assistant Licensure Compact, allowing physician assistants licensed in participating states to practice across state lines without obtaining separate licenses, provided they meet New Jersey’s standards.
“Joining the multi-state compact is a productive way of increasing the number of qualified physician assistants in New Jersey, which will make quality health care more accessible for patients,” Scutari said.
Health care advocates and professional organizations praised the legislation, saying it removes barriers to care, reduces costs and strengthens the state’s medical workforce.
“These reforms – which include a requirement that prescription savings directly benefit consumers – build on New Jersey’s ongoing efforts to connect residents to comprehensive health coverage and make essential medications more affordable and accessible,” said Banking and Insurance Commissioner Justin Zimmerman.
Murphy administration officials said the measures together represent a significant step toward a more equitable and accessible health care system across the state.
