Before speech ambush, Horizon offered Christie $135M ‘partnership’

TRENTON — In the days before Gov. Chris Christie pressured Horizon Blue Cross Blue Shield of New Jersey to share some of its “abundant surplus” to fund drug treatment programs, the state’s largest health insurance company had extended an olive branch to the governor, NJ Advance Media has learned. According to three sources with knowledge of the negotiations, Horizon’s proposed $135 million to fund drug treatment and other health programs for the poor.

Windsor Healthcare Communities proudly adds Merwick Care and…

February 23, 2017 – Windsor Healthcare Communities expands its growing list of certified Eden homes applying Eden principles of care by adding Merwick Care and Rehabilitation Center in Plainsboro, New Jersey to the Eden Alternative Registry. Windsor Healthcare Communities are transforming institutional and traditional approaches in their skilled nursing facilities into an environment that both honors and respects an individual’s autonomy and growth.

Religious vaccine exemptions on the rise in New Jersey

More parents in New Jersey are choosing religious exemptions for child vaccinations, resulting in a steady increase in unvaccinated schoolchildren. The number of unvaccinated school-age children has public health experts worried, while vaccine-choice supporters say families are making the best decisions for their kids.

NJ Department of Health Seeks 2017 Population Health Heroes

The New Jersey Supreme Court has directed the adoption of a statewide Language Access Plan to ensure full access to the courts for participant By Pastor Bill Laky – One reader wrote, “I just lost my wife of 62 years and 134 days, and I’m devastated. I prayed and prayed for my wife, an New Jersey Health Commissioner Cathleen D. Bennett Feb. 2, 2017 announced that the Department is seeking applications for its first Population Health Heroes Awards to recognize New Jersey’s innovative leaders who are making system, policy and environmental changes that improve health.

Program aims to bring specialized care to more patients

Physicians and other medical experts in New Jersey are teaming up to bring more specialized care to people living in rural areas, on Medicaid and who lack comprehensive health insurance coverage. Robert Wood Johnson Partners launched the New Jersey Project ECHO Academic Medical Center Hub in fall 2016 with three remote-access “tele-mentoring” clinics.

New push to fight Lyme disease plaguing NJ

There’s good news for New Jerseyans suffering with Lyme disease, and those who may be exposed to it in the future. Congress has passed the 21st Century Cures Act, which calls for the establishment of a Lyme disease working group comprising 14 federal officials, patient advocates and doctors specializing in treating Lyme.