S 3477 New Jersey Senate · 2026-2027 Regular Session

Requires health benefits plan and carriers to meet certain requirements concerning network adequacy and mental health care.

This bill (S 3477) requires health insurance carriers in New Jersey - including Medicaid, private plans, and self-funded employer plans - to ensure mental health care access for all covered individuals. It mandates that carriers maintain sufficient mental health providers in their networks, guaranteeing 100% of enrollees can access in-person care within 15 miles and 30 days, or telehealth/telemedicine care within 30 days if in-person options are unavailable. Insurers must cover telehealth mental health services on the same terms as in-person visits, with no higher deductibles/copays and reimbursement rates at least matching Medicaid rates. The law applies to all health benefits plans (excluding accident-only, disability, or workers' compensation coverage) and establishes penalties for noncompliance.
Bill status in committee 1 of 4 stages cleared
Introduction
Feb 2026
Committee Review
Floor Vote
Governor
Introduced Feb 12, 2026 Last action Feb 12, 2026
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Feb 12, 2026
Introduced
Introduced in the Senate, Referred to Senate Commerce Committee
upper
1 primary · 0 co-sponsors

Sponsors

Role
Legislator
Party
State
District
P
Photo of Jim Beach
Jim Beach
DDemocratic
NJ
6