Requires health insurers, SHBP, SEHBP, and NJ FamilyCare coverage for sign language interpreter services for covered individuals who are deaf or hard of hearing.

This bill requires private health insurance plans, the State Health Benefits Program (SHBP), the School Employees Health Benefits Program (SEHBP), and NJ FamilyCare to cover sign language interpreter services during medical appointments for people who are deaf or hard of hearing. It mandates coverage for qualified interpreters (certified by the New Jersey Registry of Interpreters for the Deaf or an accredited organization) or video remote interpretation when in-person services aren't available. The bill specifies that family members or friends can only serve as interpreters under certain conditions, and prohibits their use in cases of suspected domestic violence or child abuse. It establishes minimum reimbursement rates of $42.40 per hour for NJ FamilyCare and $42.53 per hour for SHBP/SEHBP. The bill aims to ensure equal access to health care communication for deaf and hard of hearing individuals, aligning with federal accessibility requirements.