Governor Murphy Signs Legislation to Alleviate New Jerseyans’ Medical Debt

Patient advocates applaud state leaders for passing bipartisan bill to reduce the burden of disease in New Jersey

TRENTON, NJ – JULY 22, 2024 – This afternoon, Governor Murphy signed the Louisa Carmen Medical Debt Relief Act (A3861) into law, securing a major victory for patients and families across New Jersey.

In response, Quinton Law, the New Jersey Government Relations Director for the American Cancer Society Cancer Action Network (ACS CAN), released the following statement:

“It’s unacceptable that disease may dictate whether someone can keep food on the table or maintain a roof over their head. Yet, in New Jersey, medical debt is becoming increasingly common and devastating for working families. People already struggling with illness should be able to concentrate on healing, not on the crushing weight of medical debt.

“Thankfully, state leaders have acted to establish some patient protections from the financial toxicity that ensues from the high costs of health care and punitive practices around medical debt reporting. With Governor Murphy’s signature on the bipartisan Louisa Carmen Medical Debt Relief Act, New Jersey is one step closer to severing the link between disease and financial hardship.

“The American Cancer Society Cancer Action Network would like to thank the Governor and the legislative sponsors of the Louisa Carmen Medical Debt Relief Act, Senator Shirley Turner, Senate Majority Leader M. Teresa Ruiz, Assemblywoman Verlina Reynolds-Jackson, Assemblyman Wayne DeAngelo, Assemblyman Anthony Verrelli and Assemblyman Herb Conaway. Under their stewardship and Governor Murphy’s leadership, New Jerseyans can move toward a future where illness is not synonymous with financial toxicity. We applaud their prioritization of patients and look forward to continuing to work in partnership to build on the promise of the Louisa Carmen Medical Debt Relief Act by pursuing additional policy solutions to prevent patients from incurring medical debt.”

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About ACS CAN

The American Cancer Society Cancer Action Network (ACS CAN) advocates for evidence-based public policies to reduce the cancer burden for everyone. We engage our volunteers across the country to make their voices heard by policymakers at every level of government. We believe everyone should have a fair and just opportunity to prevent, detect, treat, and survive cancer. Since 2001, as the American Cancer Society’s nonprofit, nonpartisan advocacy affiliate, ACS CAN has successfully advocated for billions of dollars in cancer research funding, expanded access to quality affordable health care, and advanced proven tobacco control measures. We stand with our volunteers, working to make cancer a top priority for policymakers in cities, states and our nation’s capital. Join the fight by visiting www.fightcancer.org.