A Blueprint for Progress: New Jersey Leads on Health Care Access With Three Major Wins for Arthritis Patients

WASHINGTON, D.C. — Jan. 20, 2026 — As 2026 begins, changes in health care policy are shaping how patients with chronic illness access the treatments they need. At the federal level, health care legislation continues to face uncertainty, as ongoing debates and shifting priorities pose difficulties for patients, providers and caregivers. In this environment, states and patient advocates have a critical opportunity to lead by advancing policies at the state level that protect and expand access to care. 

In New Jersey, where 21% of the population is affected by arthritis, state advocates have demonstrated the power of state-level action by helping to secure three major policy victories.   

As of January 9, 2026, the New Jersey legislature has enacted three significant laws that streamline access to coverage and improve affordability to critical health care services and prescription medications, including: 

• A4163/S3098: Ensures coverage for biomarker testing, advancing precision medicine to not only diagnose a disease but also guide the right treatment plan for those living with arthritis. 
• A1825/S3533: Reforms step therapy protocols to reduce the burden on patients navigating insurance coverage for chronic diseases. 
• A5217/S3818: Guarantees all copays count by counting copayment assistance from a third party, like charity or drug manufacturer assistance, toward a patient's deductible and out-of-pocket responsibilities. 

These victories were not inevitable. They were the result of sustained, strategic advocacy led by patients and partners across the state. Efforts, including coalition building, disease burden education targeted to lawmakers and personal storytelling by Arthritis Foundation New Jersey advocates, championed the passage of these bills by centering real patient impact as part of policy discussions.  

“These laws mean fewer delays, fewer denials and less financial stress for people living with arthritis,” says Melissa Horn, MPA, Director of State Legislative Affairs at the Arthritis Foundation. “They show what’s possible when patients’ voices are centered in policy decisions.” 

The Arthritis Foundation commends New Jersey advocates as well as the state’s legislature, Governor Phil Murphy and Lt. Governor Tahesha Way, Esq. for their leadership and commitment to passing policies that improve health outcomes. As federal health care policy remains uncertain, New Jersey’s leadership offers a powerful blueprint for how states can drive meaningful, bipartisan progress. The Arthritis Foundation remains committed to advancing policies that ensure timely, affordable access to care for all people living with arthritis.