NJ governor signs Medical Debt Relief Act

Happy Wednesday, New Jersey!

🌦️Weather: High 83, showers likely

👀What's on tap today:

• Gov. Murphy signs Medical Debt Relief Act

• Wednesday summer farmers' markets

• Weekend events

Up first...

Gov. Murphy signs Medical Debt Relief Act

Gov. Phil Murphy signed the Louisa Carman Medical Debt Relief Act to help New Jersey families avoid medical debt and protect them from predatory medical debt collectors. The Act is named after Louisa Carman, a Governor’s Office member who helped develop the proposal before passing away in a car accident. Joined by Louisa’s family and advocates, the Governor emphasized that the Act honors Louisa's mission to make healthcare accessible and affordable, ensuring no one has to choose between medical care and financial stability.

The legislation prohibits medical creditors or debt collectors from reporting a patient’s medical debt to consumer reporting agencies for health services performed after the bill's effective date. It also bans the inclusion of paid medical debts or debts under $500 in consumer reports, caps interest rates on medical debt at three percent per year, and protects patients with lower incomes from wage garnishment. Additionally, it restricts collection actions until 120 days after the first bill is sent and requires reasonable payment plans.

Louisa Carman was recognized for her dedication to improving the healthcare system and combating predatory debt practices. Her passion inspired colleagues and family, leading to the development of significant consumer protections. The Act aims to alleviate the financial burden of medical debt for many New Jersey families, particularly those in low-income and minority communities, ensuring access to necessary healthcare without financial ruin.

Primary sponsors of the Act include several New Jersey Senators and Assemblymembers who highlighted the devastating impact of medical debt on individuals and families. Advocates and organizations like New Jersey Citizen Action and the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society praised the legislation for its comprehensive protections against medical debt collection, emphasizing its role in promoting financial stability and healthcare accessibility.

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Upcoming events

July 24 – 28 – Monmouth County Fair (Freehold, Monmouth County)
July 24 – 28 – St. Ann’s Festival (Hoboken, Hudson County)
July 25 – Orianthi Live in Concert (Newton, Sussex County)
July 25 – Eric Alexander Quartet (with Eric Alexander Ambassadors) (Montclair, Essex County)
July 25 – 28 – Gloucester County Fair (Mullica Hill, Gloucester County)
July 26 – Galloway Green Market (Smithville, Atlantic County)
July 26 – Montclair Film Presents Paul Giamatti In Conversation With Stephen Colbert (Newark, Essex County)

July 26 & 27 – Car Cruise (Smithville, Atlantic County)
July 26 – 28 – Morris County Fair (Mt. Olive, Monmouth County)
July 27 – Whitesbog Blueberry Summer Fest (Browns Mills, Burlington County)
July 27 – Soulsational Music Festival (Bayville, Ocean County)
July 27 – Secaucus Food Truck and Music Festival (Secaucus, Hudson County)
July 27 & 28 – Mercer County 4-H Fair & Wheat Threshing (Hopewell Twp, Mercer County)
July 27 & 28 – Sunflower Festival at Von Thun Farms (Washington, Warren County)
July 29 & 30 – Italian Festival & Wine Tasting (Oceanport, Monmouth County)
July 30 – The Wildwoods Love Waddler’s Baby Waddle Contest (Wildwood, Cape May County)
July 30 & 31 – Manasquan Fireman’s Fair (Manasquan, Monmouth County)
July 30 & 31 – Keyport Fireman’s Fair (Keyport, Monmouth County)
July 31 – Wildwoods Baby Parade (Wildwood, Cape May County)

Wednesday Summer Farmers' Markets

Bell Works Fresh – Farmers & Makers Market
Now through November; Wednesdays, 11 am – 4 pm
The Block inside Bell Works hosts a weekly Farmers’ and Makers’ market with over 20 local vendors.
101 Crawfords Corner Rd, Holmdel, NJ

Downtown Toms River Farmers Market
Now – October; Wednesdays, 11 am – 4 pm
The Farmers’ Market celebrates everything great about New Jersey. New Jersey farms selling local grown fruit and vegetables. Vendors selling flowers, local honey, specialty foods, pickles & olives, baked goods, mushrooms, guacamole, soaps and lotions, household products, and a NJ Winery, distillery, and brewery. Smoothie truck on premises every week.
700 Main Street, Toms River, NJ

Sea Bright Farmers Market
Now – October, Wednesdays 1 pm – 6 pm
Come and support local farmer and artisans as they bring their handmade goods to the market.
1167 Ocean Avenue, Sea Bright, NJ

Holland Township Farmers Market
Now through mid-September; Wednesdays and Saturdays, 9 am – 12 pm
Find Holland Township and Hunterdon County Farm Fresh seasonal produce, eggs, herbs, sweets & treats, and artisanal crafts such as local soaps and wood crafts.
The Holland Firehouse, Route 519, Milford, NJ

Thought for today

Today in history

• 1969 - Apollo 11 Returns to Earth: The Apollo 11 mission, which successfully landed the first humans on the Moon, returned to Earth. Astronauts Neil Armstrong, Buzz Aldrin, and Michael Collins splashed down in the Pacific Ocean, completing their historic journey.

• 1911 - Machu Picchu Rediscovered: American explorer Hiram Bingham rediscovered the ancient Inca city of Machu Picchu in Peru. The site, which had been largely forgotten by the outside world, is now one of the most famous archaeological sites in the world.

Today's birthdays

Happy 93rd Birthday, Joseph Smith of Brielle! 🎉🎂 May your day be filled with joy, love, and wonderful memories. Here's to celebrating a remarkable life and many more happy moments to come! 🌟🥳🎈

Thanks for reading! See you tomorrow!

The Better With Age New Jersey team