Healthcare

in committee · New Jersey · General Assembly Mar 10, 2026

A 4586: Requires SHBP coverage of hearing aids and cochlear implants for covered persons.

This bill requires the New Jersey State Health Benefits Program to cover the cost of hearing aids and cochlear implants for all covered persons, removing the previous age restriction that limited coverage to individuals 21 years old or younger. The legislation mandates that hearing aid benefits cover one device per ear when medically necessary, with a potential annual limit of $2,500 per ear every 60 months, while cochlear implant coverage includes surgical procedures and related parts or accessories. By amending the existing "Grace's Law," the bill expands access to these essential medical devices for adults and older children who are currently excluded from the program.

Topics ✓ HealthcareSupports HealthcareBill expands health coverage by removing age restrictions for hearing aid and cochlear implant benefits under SHBP, improving patient access to essential medical devices.95% confidence

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in committee · New Jersey · General Assembly Mar 10, 2026

A 4599: Establishes three-year Medicaid demonstration project to pay for certain drugs according to value-based system.

This bill creates a three-year pilot program in New Jersey's Medicaid system to test a value-based payment approach for certain high-cost prescription drugs. Under the program, the state would negotiate with drug manufacturers to tie reimbursement amounts to observed patient outcomes rather than just the price of the medication. The initiative would focus on at least three expensive drugs with measurable health results and would require Medicaid managed care organizations to participate. At the end of the three-year period, the state would report findings to the Governor and Legislature to determine whether to expand or modify the program.

Topics ✓ HealthcareSupports HealthcareBill establishes Medicaid demonstration project to improve drug payment system based on patient outcomes, strengthening healthcare value and access.85% confidence

Sub-Topics Medicaid Prescription Drugs

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in committee · New Jersey · Senate Mar 19, 2026

S 4030: Designates minimum percentage of residential substance use disorder treatment facility beds for use by NJ FamilyCare eligible individuals as condition for licensure.

This bill requires all new and existing residential substance use disorder treatment facilities in New Jersey to reserve at least 40 percent of their beds for individuals eligible for NJ FamilyCare, the state's Medicaid program. Facilities must meet this requirement within 12 months of initial licensure or license renewal and maintain it going forward. The Department of Health will not issue or renew licenses for facilities that fail to comply with this bed allocation mandate. The law applies to various types of residential treatment settings, including halfway houses, extended care facilities, and detoxification centers.

Topics ✓ HealthcareSupports HealthcareBill mandates 40% of treatment beds for Medicaid-eligible individuals, expanding access to substance use disorder care for vulnerable populations.90% confidence

Sub-Topics Medicaid Medical Licensing Substance Abuse

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in committee · New Jersey · Senate Mar 19, 2026

S 4036: Requires Medicaid and health insurance network contracts to provide participating health care providers with certain notifications.

This bill requires insurance companies and Medicaid programs in New Jersey to give health care providers at least six months' notice before making policy changes that could lead to coverage denials. It directly affects doctors, hospitals, and other providers who have contracts with managed care plans, ensuring they have advance warning of potential restrictions on the services they can offer. The law applies to all insurance carriers and state health programs authorized to issue health benefits in the state, including the State Health Benefits Program and School Employees' Health Benefits Program. This change takes effect 120 days after enactment and applies to any new or renewed contracts signed after that date.

Topics ✓ HealthcareSupports HealthcareBill protects healthcare providers by requiring advance notice of coverage changes, preventing sudden restrictions on services and maintaining provider-patient access.85% confidence

Sub-Topics Insurance Medicaid

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in committee · New Jersey · General Assembly Mar 23, 2026

AJR 166: Designates October 23 of each year as "Aromatic L-amino Acid Decarboxylase Deficiency Awareness Day."

This bill designates October 23 of each year as "Aromatic L-amino Acid Decarboxylase Deficiency Awareness Day" in New Jersey. It directly affects individuals with this rare genetic disorder, their families, and the medical community by establishing an annual date for public awareness. The resolution requests the governor to issue a proclamation encouraging citizens and organizations to participate in awareness activities on this day. The bill aims to educate the public about AADC deficiency, a condition that impacts motor skills, development, and communication in affected patients.

Topics ✓ HealthcareSupports HealthcareBill raises public awareness about a rare genetic disorder, supporting patient education and medical community engagement in healthcare.75% confidence

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in committee · New Jersey · Senate Mar 5, 2026

S 3803: Establishes pilot program to create student mental health assistance programs in selected school districts.

This bill establishes a four-year pilot program in New Jersey to create mental health assistance programs for students in grades K-12 within selected school districts. The program would require participating districts to appoint student assistance counselors trained to identify students facing mental health challenges, provide confidential support services, and connect students with community resources. Up to 15 districts from urban, suburban, and rural areas across the state's northern, central, and southern regions would be selected to participate, with districts required to submit funding plans for sustaining the program after the pilot concludes. At the end of the pilot, each district must report on the number of students served and program effectiveness, and the Commissioner of Education will submit a final report to the Governor and Legislature with recommendations on whether to expand the program statewide.

Topics ✓ EducationSupports EducationBill establishes mental health assistance programs for K-12 students, enhancing student support services and educational access.90% confidence ✓ HealthcareSupports HealthcareBill establishes mental health assistance programs for K-12 students, expanding access to mental health services and support.95% confidence

Sub-Topics K-12 Education Student Health Mental Health

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in committee · New Jersey · General Assembly Mar 10, 2026

A 4536: Requires State Long-Term Care Ombudsman to employ three geriatric social workers to serve New Jersey's long-term care residents and makes appropriation.

This bill requires New Jersey's State Long-Term Care Ombudsman to hire three geriatric social workers to serve residents in long-term care facilities across the state. The social workers would be assigned to cover the northern, central, and southern regions and would help address legal, financial, and service-related concerns for long-term care residents, including providing advice during initial contract signing meetings. The legislation also authorizes funding from the General Fund to support these new positions.

Topics ✓ Budget & TaxesSupports Budget & TaxesBill explicitly authorizes funding from the General Fund to hire three geriatric social workers for long-term care residents, strengthening public services and fiscal management for vulnerable populations.90% confidence ✓ HealthcareSupports HealthcareBill mandates hiring geriatric social workers for long-term care residents, expanding support services and protecting patient rights in healthcare facilities.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Appropriations State Budget Long-Term Care

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in committee · New Jersey · General Assembly Mar 10, 2026

A 4663: Requires boards of education to adopt suicide prevention policies and DOE to establish model suicide prevention policy.

This bill requires public school boards in New Jersey to create and adopt suicide prevention policies for their districts. It directs the state Department of Education to develop a model policy that schools can use as a guide when crafting their own plans. Each school district must consult with mental health professionals and community stakeholders when developing their policy, which must cover prevention, intervention, and postvention procedures. The final policies must be posted on each school district's website and made known to students, parents, and guardians.

Topics ✓ EducationSupports EducationBill mandates suicide prevention policies in schools, enhancing student safety and mental health support programs.90% confidence ✓ HealthcareSupports HealthcareBill mandates suicide prevention policies in schools, requiring consultation with mental health professionals and covering prevention/intervention procedures, directly supporting mental health services.90% confidence

Sub-Topics School Safety Student Health Mental Health

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in committee · New Jersey · General Assembly Mar 16, 2026

A 4694: Requires prescription drug coverage for serious mental illness without prior authorization or utilization management, including step therapy.

This bill requires insurance carriers in New Jersey to cover prescription drugs for serious mental illnesses like schizophrenia, bipolar disorder, and PTSD without requiring prior authorization or step therapy. It directly affects individuals with these conditions who need mental health coverage through health plans, ensuring they can access necessary medications without unnecessary administrative hurdles. The law also mandates that insurers report annually on how they develop medical necessity criteria for mental health and substance use disorder treatments, increasing transparency in coverage decisions. Additionally, carriers must provide information about in-plan exceptions when qualified providers are not available in their network.

Topics ✓ HealthcareSupports HealthcareBill mandates insurance coverage for serious mental illness medications without prior authorization, improving patient access and protecting healthcare rights.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Mental Health Prescription Drugs Substance Abuse

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in committee · New Jersey · General Assembly Mar 16, 2026

A 4723: Requires each public institution of higher education to develop menstrual equity plan.

This bill requires the president of every public college or university in New Jersey to create a menstrual equity plan. The plan must outline how the institution will provide free menstrual products to students and staff, including estimates of need, distribution locations, costs, and a timeline for full implementation within 12 months. Once developed, the plan must be submitted to the institution's governing body, the Governor, and the Legislature. The law defines menstrual equity as ensuring equal access to menstrual hygiene products while reducing stigma around menstruation.

Topics ✓ EducationSupports EducationBill expands educational access by ensuring menstrual product availability, removing barriers to student participation in higher education.95% confidence ✓ HealthcareSupports HealthcareBill mandates free menstrual product distribution at public institutions, improving access to essential health products and supporting menstrual equity.85% confidence

Sub-Topics Higher Education

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