PARSIPPANY — With the governor’s signature, a bill (A2431) sponsored by Assemblywoman BettyLou DeCroce, capping out-of-pocket expenses for prescription drugs was signed into law.

“Many people with high-cost-sharing plans don’t take vital medications prescribed by their doctors because they can’t afford their co-pays,” said DeCroce (R-Morris). “The result is poor health outcomes and increased long term costs for chronically ill patients. Capping out-of-pocket payments will reduce health care costs in the long run.”

The law limits a patient’s share to $150.00 or $250.00 a month depending on the health-benefit plan level.

A study commissioned by the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society found a connection between high-deductible plans and lower medication use and adherence, leading to poor outcomes and an increase in the cost of care.

Similar measures have passed in Delaware, Maryland, Louisiana, California and the District of Columbia. Maine and Vermont have limits on the annual out-of-pocket costs to consumers, and Virginia and five other states require insurance companies to provide notice to consumers of cost-sharing tiers and all changes to the plans.

MORRIS COUNTY — Governor Phil Murphy signed a bill (A1924), sponsored by Assemblywoman BettyLou DeCroce, to help veterans in New Jersey obtain employment in the insurance industry.

The legislation waives the initial insurance producer-licensing fee for honorably discharged veterans who are New Jersey residents, have passed the licensing exam and met any other requirements for licensure. A producer is a person licensed to sell, solicit or negotiate insurance.

“Veterans bring a unique background and skillset to the insurance industry, but may lack the ability to pay the licensing fee if they are unemployed,” said DeCroce (R-Morris). “Removing a fee is the least we can do to give our veterans transitioning to civilian life a path to gainful employment.”

Under the law, the Department of Banking and Insurance is authorized to waive the initial $190 licensing fee. The department is currently permitted to waive fees for disabled war veterans.

Affected veterans include those who served in any branch of the active or reserve military or National Guard. The law takes effect immediately.

MORRIS COUNTY — On Saturday, February 1, parents are invited to bring their child to make a Pinewood Derby Car.

The Pinewood Derby is a highlight of the Cub Scout year.  If your son or daughter is not yet in a Cub Scout pack, you can come build your car with guidance from experts.  The workshop, dubbed the 2020 Pinewood Derby Champ Camp, will be held at the Scout Shop, One Saddle Road in Cedar Knolls, from 9:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. The cost of car kit is $5.00.

You will also receive information on the Cub Scout pack nearest your home.

Cub Scouts is for boys and girls in grades K-5.

For information, contact the Cedar Knolls Scout Shop, (973) 765-9322 ext. 233, [email protected]

MORRIS COUNTY — Morris County Prosecutor Fredric M. Knapp and members of the Morris County Prosecutor’s Office attended the 35th Annual Morris Interfaith Breakfast on January 20 at the Hyatt Hotel in Morristown. The event marked the 91st birthday of Rev. Doctor Martin Luther King, Jr.

The breakfast was held in advance of the 50th anniversary of the Martin Luther King Observance Committee at the Calvary Baptist Church in Morristown. The Committee was formed to educate, inspire and motivate people of all races, religions, ethnicities, social and economic classes, political affiliations, ages and genders to embrace the dream of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.

Prosecutor Knapp was joined by First Assistant Prosecutor Thomas Zelante, Morris County Prosecutor’s Office Assistant Prosecutor Julian Hill, Captain Harrison Dillard, Detective Supervisor Spence Osaigbovo, Detective Supervisor Patrick LaGuerre and Detective Corinne Mason.

Prosecutor Knapp said “The Morris Interfaith Breakfast is a wonderful event which we have attended for many years. It gives community stakeholders an opportunity to meet with each other and honor Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King. As Dr. King said ‘people fail to get along because they fear each other; they fear each other because they don’t know each other; they don’t know each other because they have not communicated with each other.’”

The breakfast featured keynote speakers Congresswoman Mikie Sherrill and Perri Easley, recipient of a college scholarship from the Martin Luther King Scholarship Fund for Local Scholars.