By Margie Donlon and Luanne Peterpaul

As we begin to participate in committee meetings, we want to update you on some of our priority bills that were introduced this month.

We are proud to be joined by our LD11 partner, Senator Vin Gopal, in being prime sponsors of A2281, which requires Medicaid coverage for fertility preservation services in cases of iatrogenic infertility caused by medically necessary treatments. Insurance companies rarely covered fertility preservation for at-risk cancer patients, even though the American Society for Reproductive Medicine and the American Society of Clinical Oncology began recognizing it as a standard component of care in 2005. Oncologists, reproductive specialists, and patient organizations all have joined with cancer survivors to pursue state insurance mandates. The Assembly Financial Institutions and Insurance Committee voted favorably on A2281 last Thursday.

Twenty-three states and Washington DC now have established insurance mandates requiring health plans to cover oncofertility services for patients facing medical treatments like chemotherapy or radiation that cause infertility. These services should by now be an essential part of a comprehensive cancer treatment plan in patients of reproductive age, including adolescents and young adults. 

Additionally, bill A2287, provides coverage for storage of sperm and oocytes, or immature egg cells and ovarian or testicular tissue, for individuals up to age 21 years of age to standard fertility preservation services. 

We must also address the serious financial burdens that weigh heavily during the decision-making process. Without expanded mandated coverage for those on Medicaid, we leave millions of Americans behind and perpetuate health disparities that undermine our communities and leave us all more vulnerable.

We also have sponsored several bills this month to support New Jersey’s growing aquaculture industry. Last month, we had a great opportunity to learn about the importance, and the challenges, of our “farmers of the sea.” We toured the Barnegat Oyster Collective on Barnegat Bay with the Assembly Agriculture and Natural Resources Committee. It was very informative to learn about the process of growing oysters and clams and the importance of aquaculture in  New Jersey to not only our economy but also our environment. Oysters and clams clean coastal waters by acting as natural filter feeders in the areas in which they grow. . 

According to the state Department of Agriculture, more than 30 aquaculture operations in the state employ approximately 90 full-time and 81 part-time employees, who produce sales for the farmers valued at approximately $5,787,000. As the oysters and clams move from the waters to retail stores and restaurants, the economic contribution is approximately $34,722,000 annually to the state.

We have introduced several bills to support this growing industry, including A5503, which would require the state Department of Agriculture to develop guidance on shellfish aquaculture agritourism. This legislation brings together state resources, including the Department of Agriculture, the Aquaculture Advisory Council, the Bureau of Marine Water Monitoring within the DEP, and others to achieve this mission. 

Another of our bills, A5504, expands and changes membership of the Aquaculture Advisory Council from 13 to 18 total members, adding additional perspectives and expertise to the Council.

We also are calling on the Assembly to pass our resolution, AR153, recognizing the scientific advancements of the Haskin Shellfish Research Laboratory at Rutgers University. The laboratory has been instrumental in the study and development of new oyster types for the benefit of aquatic environments and the aquaculture industry. The strains of oysters they are breeding are strong enough to provide moderate resistance to the MSX parasitic disease and Dermo disease. The Assembly Agriculture Committee passed this package of bills last Thursday.

We will continue to update you as these and other of our bills move through the State Legislature.  We hope and encourage you to share your ideas with us at [email protected], [email protected], or (732) 704-3808.

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