March 7, 2016
Contact: Liz Thomas for MSNJ
[email protected]
856-642-6226
Statement on behalf of Larry Downs, Esq., CEO, Medical Society of New Jersey
“The Medical Society of New Jersey (MSNJ) has long advocated for true network adequacy –
the requirement that insurers have enough physicians in-network to provide patients the care
they pay for through premiums, even in a tiered or narrow network. Patients should have
access to their physician of choice. Further, MSNJ has long advocated for transparency in
insurance ranking of physicians. Physicians entering into in-network contracts deserve to know
how they will be ranked and patients deserve to know why it costs more out-of-pocket to see
some physicians. Continuity of care depends on this transparency. Further, MSNJ urges carriers
to increase patient literacy about their products. “Surprise billing” happens largely because
carriers have not adequately educated their members about their plans and the insurance
payments only cover a fraction of the market value of the services in many cases. Based on our
policy positions, MSNJ will seek to file an amicus brief in the recent suit against the New Jersey
Department of Banking and Insurance. We hope the courts, policymakers and regulators work
to improve patient access to coverage and care.”
About MSNJ:
Founded in 1766, the Medical Society of New Jersey is the oldest professional society in the United
States. MSNJ has a mission to promote the betterment of the public health and the science and the art of
medicine, to enlighten public opinion in regard to the problems of medicine, and to safeguard the rights
of the practitioners of medicine. MSNJ represents all medical disciplines and serves as an advocate for
patient and physician rights. Its members are dedicated to ensuring delivery of the highest quality
medical care throughout New Jersey.