NJ Pandemic Relief Fund Efforts Get $2M Boost from Horizon

Fund is Addressing Medical, Social, and Economic Impact of COVID-19

On Apr 13, 2020

To help address the medical, social, and economic impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic in the Garden State, Newark-based Horizon Blue Cross Blue Shield of New Jersey has donated $2 million to The New Jersey Pandemic Relief Fund, the response and support organization established by Tammy Murphy, New Jersey’s First Lady. This contribution follows on the heels of Horizon’s $2.5 million purchase of 500,000 N95 masks and 81,000 face shields for donation to the State’s coordinated response effort.

“We have quickly marshalled the resources of so many caring residents, corporations and not-for-profits to provide much-needed ‘boots on the ground’ services across our state,” said First Lady Tammy Murphy, Chairperson of the NJ Pandemic Relief Fund. “We are incredibly grateful for this generous grant from Horizon Blue Cross Blue Shield of New Jersey that will make a significant impact in addressing the urgent needs of our community, both now and in the weeks and months ahead as we continue fighting this pandemic.”

“The COVID-19 pandemic is producing extraordinary challenges for New Jersey’s families, employers, and the thousands of social service organizations that support people in need across the state. This contribution reflects Horizon’s historic and ongoing commitment to invest in the health and well-being of our members and New Jersey’s communities,” said Kevin P. Conlin, Horizon BCBSNJ’s executive chairman of the board.

“On behalf of our 3.5 million members, we thank the Governor and First Lady for their steady leadership and tireless efforts to respond to a public health emergency that is impacting every person and every aspect of life in New Jersey,” added Gary D. St. Hilaire, Horizon BCBSNJ’s president and chief executive officer. “The Pandemic Relief Fund is playing a critical role in helping New Jersey get to through the pandemic by directing money and other resources to those with the greatest and most urgent needs. New Jerseyans have come to rely on Horizon to be there when they need us most, and it is in that spirit that we make this donation.”

With this donation, Horizon has contributed $4.35 million for protective equipment for health care workers, food, and social services in response to the COVID-19 outbreak. Horizon BCBSNJ and its philanthropic arm, The Horizon Foundation for New Jersey, have contributed more than $80 million to New Jersey’s community organizations and causes since 2004.

The company has also announced a number of changes to their coverage policies to ensure that members have access to the care they need during the pandemic while encouraging social-distancing:

• Coverage without cost for in-network diagnosis, testing, and treatment of COVID-19.
• Expanded access to telemedicine to allow care by phone or video.
• Elimination of any out-of-pocket costs for telemedicine from an in-network provider.
• Increased access to prescription medications, waive early medication refill limits on 30-day prescriptions for maintenance medications, and provided formulary flexibility in the event of shortages or access issues.

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