NJ
New Jersey Assembly Bill A1924

New Jersey 2022-2023 Regular Session

New Jersey Assembly Bill A1924

Introduced
1/11/22  

Caption

Requires health insurance carriers to categorize mental health treatment and therapy received by victim of domestic violence as medically necessary treatment and provide full benefits coverage therefor.

Impact

If enacted, A1924 will amend various sections of existing health insurance law to broaden the definition of medical necessity to include mental health treatments for domestic violence victims. This legislative move reflects a growing recognition of the importance of mental health and aims to strengthen support systems for vulnerable populations. Critics of existing insurance policies have long cited the disparity in coverage between physical effects and mental health services and this bill seeks to rectify that.

Summary

Assembly Bill A1924 mandates that all health insurance carriers in New Jersey classify mental health treatment and therapy for victims of domestic violence as medically necessary and requires them to provide full benefits coverage for these services. The bill aims to address a significant gap in current health care policies, which adequately cover physical injuries related to domestic violence but often fail to do the same for mental health aspects. This legislation will ensure that those suffering from the psychological impacts of domestic violence have access to the necessary care without additional financial burden.

Contention

Although A1924 is largely seen as a protective measure for victims of domestic violence, the legislation could face opposition regarding its implications for insurance carriers and potential costs. Some may argue that the requirement to cover mental health treatment could lead to increased premiums or a reconsideration of benefit structures by insurers. Moreover, the implementation details, including how various carriers will adjust their policies to comply with the new law, could also generate debate among stakeholders in the health insurance landscape.

Latest A1924 Activity

Companion Bills

NJ S3031

Same As Requires health insurance carriers to categorize mental health treatment and therapy received by victim of domestic violence as medically necessary treatment and provide full benefits coverage therefor.

Similar Bills

NJ S2020

Requires health insurance carriers to categorize mental health treatment and therapy received by victim of domestic violence as medically necessary treatment and provide full benefits coverage therefor.

NJ S3031

Requires health insurance carriers to categorize mental health treatment and therapy received by victim of domestic violence as medically necessary treatment and provide full benefits coverage therefor.

NJ A2310

Requires health insurance carriers to categorize mental health treatment and therapy received by victim of domestic violence as medically necessary treatment and provide full benefits coverage therefor.

NJ A5278

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NJ S4148

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NJ S301

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NJ A1439

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NJ A553

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