New Jersey's insurance department would collect health claims in a database

The Department of Banking and Insurance would establish and oversee a statewide database of health claims and related information. The database would cover medical, prescription drug, dental, and vision claims, as well as plan enrollment and health care provider information. After the department sets reporting rules, insurers, health care providers, pharmacy benefit managers, and third-party administrators would have to report data. Self-insured plans covered by federal law are excluded from required reporting but may report voluntarily. The department would work with the New Jersey Hospital Association, the New Jersey Medical Association, and other health care organizations. The department must seek federal and other public funding, but the bill does not guarantee that funding. It may hire private entities to help plan, set up, or run the database. The bill would take effect on the first day of the twelfth month after enactment.