New Jersey Senate Bill S352

New Jersey 2022-2023 Regular Session

• Introduced: 1/11/22
• Refer: 1/11/22
• Report Pass: 6/6/22
• Refer: 6/6/22
• Report Pass: 6/27/22

Caption

Requires health insurance carriers to provide coverage for treatment of mental health conditions and substance use disorders through collaborative care.

Impact

If enacted, S352 significantly reshapes how mental health services are integrated into general health insurance policies within the state. The bill aims to ensure that mental health and substance use treatments are afforded the same level of coverage and benefits as other medical conditions. This inclusion is in line with the federal Mental Health Parity and Addiction Equity Act, highlighting the need for parity in treatment access and ensuring that financial limitations such as copayments and deductibles are comparable to those for other medical conditions.

Summary

Senate Bill 352 (S352) introduces requirements for health insurance carriers in New Jersey to provide coverage for the treatment of mental health conditions and substance use disorders. This bill mandates that coverage be delivered through the collaborative care model, consisting of a team comprising a primary care provider, a care manager, and a psychiatric consultant working together to offer integrated care. The collaborative care model intends to promote better health outcomes by ensuring patients receive comprehensive treatment aligned with recognized practices as defined in the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders.

Contention

Despite its intended benefits, S352 has sparked discussions regarding the implications for insurance carriers and the potential financial impact of ensuring such coverage. Some stakeholders express concerns over the increased costs associated with comprehensive mental health coverage, which may lead to higher premiums for policyholders. Conversely, advocates emphasize the necessity of mental health services and argue that equitable insurance coverage can ultimately reduce long-term healthcare costs by preventing more severe mental health issues and ensuring timely interventions.