ASSEMBLY HIGHER EDUCATION COMMITTEE

STATEMENT TO

ASSEMBLY, No. 3546

STATE OF NEW JERSEY

DATED: JANUARY 14, 2013

      The Assembly Higher Education Committee reports favorably Assembly Bill No. 3546.

      This bill amends current law to eliminate the requirement that every student who is enrolled full-time at a public or private institution of higher education in New Jersey maintain health insurance coverage which provides basic hospital benefits.  The bill also eliminates the requirement that every full-time student annually present evidence of health insurance coverage and other provisions related to the health insurance coverage requirement. Any requirements for health insurance coverage imposed at the federal level by the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act (PPACA) would still be applicable.

      The bill maintains the present requirement that all institutions of higher education in New Jersey offer health insurance coverage for purchase by students who are enrolled full-time at the institution.

      As reported by the committee, this bill is identical to Senate Bill No. 2291, which was also reported by the committee on this same date.