Acting Governor Way Declares State of Emergency In Response to Ongoing Jones Road Wildfire

Acting Governor Tahesha Way declared that New Jersey will enter a State of Emergency effective at 7:00 a.m. on Wednesday, April 23, 2025 in response to the active Jones Road Wildfire in the Greenwood Forest Wildlife Management Area near Lacey, Ocean, and Barnegat Townships in Ocean County. Executive Order No. 387 declares a State of Emergency for Ocean County.

“Yesterday, our State Forest Fire Service informed us of a wildfire in Ocean Township, Ocean County. Due to its accelerated growth, with an estimated burn of 8,500 acres, threatening more than 1,000 structures, requiring the evacuation of residents in the area, and the loss of power to over 25,000 residents, I am declaring a State of Emergency for Ocean County,” said Acting Governor Way. “I encourage all residents in the County to continue to monitor the proper channels, and to use caution and follow all safety protocols.”

The Acting Governor encourages New Jerseyans to visit the New Jersey Forest Fire Service’s website and social media pages for important wildfire updates and safety information. Residents should also monitor local forecasts, warnings, and watches.

Read More

Acting Governor Way Announces Federal Emergency Management Agency Fire Management Assistance Grant Award to Support Response and Recovery Efforts to the Jones Road Wildfire

Acting Governor Tahesha Way announced that the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) awarded New Jersey a Fire Management Assistance Grant (FMAG). This funding will directly support the Jones Road Wildfire response and recovery efforts in Ocean County. The Fire Management Assistance Grant Program is available to states, local, and tribal governments to mitigate, manage, and control fires on publicly or privately owned forests or grasslands, threatening such destruction as a major disaster.

“The Jones Road Wildfire in Ocean County is estimated to have burned over 15,000 acres and continues to burn with 60 percent containment,” said Acting Governor Tahesha Way. “As our first responders attend to the fire, we are grateful to receive help from FEMA with the approval of the FMAG. This grant will ensure we are able to respond as quickly and capably as possible to reach full containment and recover in the aftermath of the fire.”

"I'm thankful that FEMA has approved our FMAG request. This support is vital to help us respond to and recover quickly from the Jones Road Wildfire and will effectively help us protect lives, homes, and communities," said New Jersey State Police Superintendent and State Director of Emergency Management Colonel Patrick J. Callahan. “The FMAG also helps equip our heroic firefighters and first responders working tirelessly on the front lines. I'm grateful for our whole community partnership that enhances our capabilities and resilience during critical events."

Read More

Acting Governor Way Signs Legislation Requiring Insurance Coverage for Biomarker Testing

Acting Governor Tahesha Way signed legislation requiring State-regulated health insurers to cover biomarker testing, putting this form of diagnostic testing in reach for more New Jerseyans.

Biomarker testing analyzes an individual’s unique biological indicators to provide insights into their health status or risk of certain diseases like cancer. Biomarkers can inform certain treatment plans, making this form of testing a critical step to applying precision medicine and targeted therapies that can improve health outcomes and provide for better quality of life.

“We are continuing to advance our mission to make high-quality health care more affordable and accessible in New Jersey. By eliminating barriers to accessing biomarker testing, we are making it easier for families in our state to access personalized treatment plans,” said Acting Governor Way. “For someone battling life-altering and potentially fatal diseases like cancer, having this testing covered by insurance could make a world of difference in their treatment plan.”

Under the bill, state-regulated health insurance providers, Medicaid, and the SHBP and SEHBP are required to provide coverage for biomarker testing for the purposes of diagnosis, treatment, appropriate management, or ongoing monitoring of an individual’s disease or condition when the test is supported by medical and scientific evidence.

“Biomarker precision medical testing helps guide health professionals with more detailed information to diagnose or provide targeted treatment options for diseases, which can lead to improved health outcomes,” said New Jersey Department of Banking and Insurance Commissioner Justin Zimmerman. “With this law, New Jersey is increasing accessibility and affordability of this tool that can open the door to more effective care.”

Read More

Governor Murphy Partners with Undue Medical Debt and RWJBarnabas Health on Fourth Round of Medical Debt Relief, Eliminating $927 Million in Debt for 629,000 New Jerseyans

Governor Phil Murphy announced an additional approximately 629,000 New Jersey residents will see a combined $927 million in medical debt retired through the State’s partnership with Undue Medical Debt, bringing total debt forgiven to over $1.1 billion for 776,000 New Jerseyans since August 2024.

By leveraging approximately $5.8 million in American Rescue Plan funds from the State’s investment in medical debt abolishment, Undue has purchased this fourth round of medical debt from RWJBarnabas Health – the State’s largest integrated academic health system – and from the secondary debt market. Over half a million households will receive an Undue Medical Debt branded letter in the mail over the coming weeks informing them that some or all of their medical debt has been abolished.

“Nobody should have to choose between their health and their financial stability. My Administration has pursued lasting systemic reforms to put more affordable health care in reach for New Jersey families and better protect our residents from accumulating debt,” said Governor Murphy. “Meanwhile, our work with Undue Medical Debt has provided tangible relief to hundreds of thousands of New Jersey families, retiring over $1 billion in medical debt. I am grateful to our partners in this space, and I look forward to continuing our work to build a healthier, more affordable New Jersey.”

"Medical debt is a silent crisis affecting millions of families, exacerbating health disparities and preventing far too many people from seeking the care they need. Debt relief efforts are essential not only for financial recovery, but for the well-being of our communities,” said New Jersey Department of Health Commissioner Kaitlan Baston, MD, MSc, DFASAM. “Health care should never be dictated by someone’s ability to pay. By addressing medical debt, we empower individuals to focus on their health and future rather than the burden of financial insecurity. Today’s announcement is a massive win and a testament to the Murphy Administration’s commitment to making health care more affordable and accessible for New Jersey’s residents.”

“I’m very proud that we’ve helped the State and Governor Murphy reach this momentous milestone of over $1 billion of medical debt erased for New Jersey residents,” said Undue Medical Debt CEO and president Allison Sesso. “I also must thank RWJBarnabas Health for their partnership and all the providers that have stepped up to help us remove these unpayable burdens on families. I’m thrilled for the hundreds of thousands of people who will soon be receiving this good news in the mail.”

Read More