Healthcare

died · New Jersey · General Assembly Jan 13, 2026

A 2305: Permits boards of education to lease certain school property to federally qualified health centers without bidding.

This bill would allow New Jersey school boards to lease unused school property to federally qualified health centers (FQHCs) without requiring competitive bidding or public advertisements, instead permitting private agreements for a nominal fee. It specifically adds FQHCs to the list of eligible entities that can receive such leases under existing exemptions. The bill also requires that if an FQHC shares a school building with students, its facilities must be in a separate, distinct area from student spaces, as permitted by federal law. Leases exceeding five years would still require approval from the Commissioner of Education.

Topics ✓ HealthcareSupports HealthcareRemoves bidding barriers for FQHCs to lease school property, directly improving healthcare access by enabling expanded community health services in underserved areas.92% confidence

Track

in committee · New Jersey · General Assembly Jan 13, 2026

A 1462: "Michelle's Law"; requires health benefit plans to cover mammogram for an individual if recommended by health care provider.

Michelle's Law requires all health insurance plans in New Jersey to cover mammograms when a healthcare provider recommends them. It mandates baseline mammograms for women at age 40, annual mammograms for women 40 and older, and coverage for women under 40 with breast cancer risk factors (like family history) based on provider recommendation. The law also requires coverage for additional tests like ultrasounds or MRIs if needed due to dense breast tissue, abnormal results, or other risk factors. This applies to all health insurance contracts, including those allowing premium changes, without limiting coverage for other medical conditions.

Topics ✓ HealthcareSupports HealthcareMandates insurance coverage for recommended mammograms including baseline at 40, annual screenings, and additional tests for high-risk cases, expanding patient access to preventive care.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Insurance

Track

died · New Jersey · General Assembly Jan 13, 2026

A 2129: Clarifies procedures in certain contested child custody cases.

This bill clarifies New Jersey's child custody procedures by requiring courts to prioritize a child's expressed preferences (when age-appropriate) and consider recommendations from the child's licensed mental health professional when making custody decisions. It also imposes strict conditions before courts can order "reunification therapy" (family therapy to reconnect estranged parents and children), requiring scientific evidence of its safety and effectiveness, plus the child's willingness to participate. The bill affects courts, parents, and children in contested custody cases by mandating specific record-keeping for custody arrangements not agreed upon by parents and adding weight to the child's voice. It does not change existing custody factors but refines how courts must weigh certain considerations.

Topics ✓ HealthcareSupports HealthcareBill requires courts to consider licensed mental health professionals' recommendations and mandates scientific evidence for therapy, supporting evidence-based mental health services in custody cases.85% confidence

Sub-Topics Healthcare Workforce Mental Health

Track

in committee · New Jersey · General Assembly Jan 13, 2026

A 2152: Requires health insurers to provide coverage for certain imaging related to breast cancer detection.

This bill requires New Jersey health insurers to cover specific breast cancer detection services for all women with health insurance in the state. It mandates coverage for a baseline mammogram starting at age 18 (previously 40), annual mammograms for women 18 and older, and additional imaging like ultrasounds or MRIs when medically necessary due to dense breast tissue, abnormal results, family history, genetic factors, or other risk indicators. The coverage applies to all group and individual health insurance contracts and must be provided at the same level as other medical benefits. The bill updates existing law to expand access to early detection screenings based on current medical guidelines.

Topics ✓ HealthcareSupports HealthcareMandates insurers to cover early breast cancer detection including baseline mammograms at 18 (vs 40) and additional imaging, expanding coverage and access to preventive care.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Insurance

Track

in committee · New Jersey · General Assembly Jan 13, 2026

A 1824: Requires availability of electronic fund transfers by health insurance carriers to reimburse covered persons.

This bill requires New Jersey health insurance companies (and their vendors) to offer electronic fund transfers (EFT) as a standard option for reimbursing policyholders for covered medical costs. It mandates that insurers notify policyholders about any fees for EFT and provide clear website instructions to select this payment method. Insurers violating these rules face enforcement by the Department of Banking and Insurance, including fines and orders to reimburse policyholders for any fees they incurred. The law applies to all health benefits plans (excluding Medicare Supplement, workers' comp, and similar coverage) for claims submitted after its effective date.

Topics ✓ HealthcareSupports HealthcareMandates EFT reimbursement standard with fee transparency, improving patient access to funds and protecting consumer rights from unexpected fees.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Insurance Medicare

Track

in committee · New Jersey · Senate Feb 2, 2026

SR 60: Urges health insurance providers and prescription drug providers to offer option of speaking to or leaving message for human.

This Senate Resolution (SR 60) urges health insurance and prescription drug providers to include a simple "press zero" option on their automated phone systems, allowing callers to directly reach a human operator or leave a message during business hours. It specifically targets the frustration many experience - especially seniors and people with hearing impairments - when automated systems make it difficult to speak with a person. The resolution does not create new law but recommends this uniform method for contacting a human, and it directs copies to state agencies like the Banking Commissioner and Pharmacy Board. It directly affects consumers calling these providers and the providers themselves, who would need to adjust their phone systems.

Topics ✓ HealthcareSupports HealthcareUrges health insurance/prescription providers to add 'press zero' for human contact, improving access for seniors/hearing impaired, directly supporting patient access to healthcare services.90% confidence

Sub-Topics Insurance Prescription Drugs

Track

in committee · New Jersey · General Assembly Feb 19, 2026

A 4316: Requires emergency shelters for the homeless to admit certain persons unless they pose danger.

This bill requires New Jersey emergency shelters for the homeless to admit individuals regardless of whether they: have a mental illness, are substance-dependent, are not taking prescribed medication, or consumed alcohol off-site. It directly affects homeless individuals who face barriers based on these characteristics. Shelters may still refuse admission only if someone poses a danger to self, others, or property, or if legally authorized. The law does not prevent shelters from prohibiting drug/alcohol use on their premises. This expands existing protections that previously only covered mental illness.

Topics ✓ HealthcareSupports HealthcareBill mandates shelters admit individuals with mental illness/substance dependence, removing barriers to shelter access and aligning with mental health care access protections.85% confidence ✓ HousingSupports HousingBill mandates shelters admit homeless individuals regardless of mental health/substance use, advancing access to housing for vulnerable populations by removing barriers to shelter access.90% confidence

Sub-Topics Mental Health Homelessness

Track

in committee · New Jersey · General Assembly May 11, 2026

A 4160: Establishes Chief Executive Nurse position in DOH.

This bill (A4160) creates a new Chief Executive Nurse position within New Jersey's Department of Health (DOH). The role requires a master's degree in nursing or higher plus significant nursing experience, and the appointee must work full-time for the DOH Commissioner. The Chief Executive Nurse will assist the Commissioner on nursing matters, collect data on nursing practices, consult with nurses and healthcare facilities about regulations affecting patient care, and evaluate nursing trends. The position takes effect immediately upon enactment.

Topics ✓ HealthcareSupports HealthcareCreates nursing leadership role to improve patient care coordination, data collection, and regulatory consultation within DOH.85% confidence

Sub-Topics Healthcare Workforce

Track

in committee · New Jersey · General Assembly Jan 13, 2026

A 813: Requires DMVA assist discharged service members who have diagnosed service-connected mental health condition with petitions to change discharge designation.

This bill requires New Jersey's Department of Military and Veterans' Affairs (DMVA) to help former service members with specific discharge statuses - such as "other than honorable," "bad conduct," or "dishonorable" - who have been diagnosed with a service-connected mental health condition. The DMVA must provide no-fee assistance with federal forms to petition for a discharge redesignation to "honorable," create uniform processes, and keep all information confidential. If successful, these individuals gain the same state rights, privileges, and benefits as those honorably discharged. The bill expands existing DMVA support (previously limited to cases tied to sexual orientation or gender identity) to include mental health-related discharges, defined as conditions linked to military service per medical standards.

Topics ✓ HealthcareSupports HealthcareAssists veterans with service-connected mental health conditions to access VA benefits via discharge redesignation, directly supporting mental health service access and removing barriers to care.95% confidence ✓ Labor & EmploymentSupports Labor & EmploymentBill assists veterans with service-connected mental health conditions to obtain honorable discharge redesignations, removing employment barriers and protecting workers' rights to fair employment opportunities.85% confidence ✓ VeteransSupports VeteransAssists veterans with service-connected mental health conditions to obtain honorable discharge redesignations, enabling access to full VA benefits and services.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Mental Health Veteran Benefits Veteran Healthcare Veteran Mental Health

Track

in committee · New Jersey · General Assembly Jan 13, 2026

AJR 106: Designates September 22nd of each year as "Veterans Suicide Awareness & Remembrance Day."

AJR 106 designates September 22nd each year as "Veterans Suicide Awareness & Remembrance Day" in New Jersey. The resolution aims to raise public awareness about the high suicide rates among veterans and active military members - citing over 65,000 veteran and active-duty suicides since 2010 - and reduce stigma around mental health treatment. It requests the Governor issue an annual proclamation encouraging public observance through activities that honor those who died by suicide and support affected families. This ceremonial resolution does not create new programs or funding but seeks to foster community recognition of a critical public health issue affecting military service members.

Topics ✓ HealthcareSupports HealthcareReduces stigma around mental health treatment, aligning with support for mental health services per bill summary.85% confidence ✓ VeteransSupports VeteransDesignates Veterans Suicide Awareness Day to reduce stigma, honor veterans, and promote mental health recognition - directly advancing veteran well-being through awareness and remembrance.90% confidence

Sub-Topics Mental Health Public Health Memorials & Recognition Veteran Mental Health

Track