What state agency regulates HMOs?

The Department of Banking and Insurance and Department of Health and Senior Services (DHSS) jointly regulate HMOs. DHSS's regulation is related to issues of quality and care, including the process for appealing denials of care.

Where can I find a list of HMOs authorized in New Jersey?

The Department of Banking and Insurance provides names, addresses, telephone numbers, and Web sites of HMOs authorized in New Jersey.

Where can I find information about different HMO plans?

The Department of Health and Senior Services developed a report card on HMO plans.

How do I make a complaint about an HMO plan?

An individual wishing to make a complaint about the quality of care provided by an HMO may submit a complaint form as noted on the Managed Care website.

Where can I find information on low-cost health insurance for myself and my children?

NJ FamilyCare provides information that will help you determine whether you qualify for low-cost or no-cost health insurance. You can also download an application or view frequently asked questions.

What immunizations are required for my child to start school?

Information about immunizations for school children is available from the Department of Health and Senior Services.

Does the state provide any help to people who are trying to quit smoking?

The Division of Addiction Services has a Web page about smoking issues and information

New Jersey Quitnet brings proven scientific methods to the Web to deliver support to smokers whenever they need it.

Where can I get a list of alcohol and drug treatment centers in New Jersey?

The New Jersey Division of Addiction Services can assist you in locating programs for alcohol, drug abuse treatment, and related services in the state.

How can I find out if I qualify for prescription assistance?

The senior benefits page includes links to information about pharmaceutical assistance programs, including eligibility requirements.

Where can I find information on nursing homes and nursing home alternatives?

The Department of Health and Senior Services has information about nursing home facilities, Assisted Living Facilities, Adult Medical Day Care, Residential Health Care, Alternative Family Care, on their long-term care facility database, a nursing home report card, and a guide to selecting a long-term care facility .

Where can I find locations to donate blood?

The addresses and phone numbers of New Jersey's licensed blood banks are listed online by the Department of Health and Senior Services.

How do I contact Medicaid?

The Health Care Financing Administration provides state and federal Medicaid contact lists.

How do I contact Medicare?

The Medicare Web site allows you to search for helpful contacts.

Where do I get a list of acute care health care facilities?

The Department of Health and Senior Services, Health Care Systems Analysis division, maintains an interactive web site that permits searches by type of facility and location.

Where can I find information about the performance of all New Jersey acute care hospitals?

The Department of Health and Senior Services has developed a report card that contains information on the performance of all New Jersey hospitals for heart attack and pneumonia.

How do I make a complaint about a health care facility?

The complaint hotline number is listed on the home page for Department of Health and Senior Services, Health Care Quality and Oversight.

What state agency regulates acute health care facilities?

The Department of Health and Senior Services, Health Care Quality and Oversight division, investigates complaints related to a facility's adherence to quality of care standards set forth in statute and regulation.

What state agency licenses acute care facilities?

The Department of Health and Senior Services, Health Care Quality and Oversight division, licenses facilities in accordance with the state's statues and regulations.

When I need hospital care and cannot pay for it, can the state help me?

All hospitals are required to provide medically necessary care regardless of the patients' ability to pay. The Department of Health and Senior Services, Health Care Quality and Oversight division, is responsible for the distribution of the Hospital Relief Fund dollars that pay hospitals for caring for low-income patients who cannot pay for the care they need.

Where do I get information about hospitals and physicians where cardiac surgery is available?

The Department of Health and Senior Services, Health Care Quality and Oversight division, annually publishes a Report Card on cardiac surgery results for both hospitals and surgeons.